Sunday 4 October 2020 (198 Days since our first post on this blog.)
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The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP


The FAITHCAFE: ALL AGE WORSHIP
Today's worship is about perseverance: 'Turn your eyes up to the Son, let the shadows fall behind you!' Includes children's content, uplifting songs and hymns, and a short contemporary message from Andy Croft of Soul Survivor, Watford.

Remember to share with family and friends.

Wednesday 30 September 2020 (194 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

SCBA Update


SCBA Update 30 September 2020
Welcome to SCBA’s Covid-19 update
This week Colin has put together a reflection called ‘Halcyon Days’. This can be found on our YouTube channel. Please click on the link and please feel free to subscribe to our channel. We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing. You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast or listen by clicking on link. If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel .
SCBA Regional Ministers’ Sermons
As we come to the end of the summer holidays, with ministers and leaders hopefully still managing to take some time off, the RM Team thought it would be helpful for all our churches to have access to pre-recorded sermons that they have filmed, which can be used in church services across our Association. Joth is currently putting together a YouTube Playlist containing the pre-recorded sermons, which can be accessed here.
Baptists Together Update
The Baptist Union have continued to update the essential guidance for churches.
Please continue to check any updates through our coronavus links page.

New Government Job Support Scheme
We've just published initial information regarding the New Job Support Scheme which will come into effect from 1 November 2020. Also an update on the end of the furlough scheme

Guidance on church worship
Clarification of rules regarding Worship Outdoors; Change to Weddings to note reduction in England of the number permitted from 30 to 15; Clarification of rules for England and Wales regarding small groups in Prayer Meetings and Bible Study. See the Essential Guidance page here .

Children’s, youth and families ministry
More changes on both face coverings for youth groups, and on toddler groups, as Government update their guidance.

Covid-19 Coronavirus Legal Issues
Includes information about the 'rule of six' and church meetings, and Rent Concessions in Commercial Leases

Guidance on church worship - update
We've made corrections to our church worship guidance; Weddings to make clear that anyone working is not included in the cap of fifteen people; Correction to What is Allowed to clarify the number of singers and the use of wind instruments.
BMS World Mission
Catalyst Lite 2020
BMS World Mission’s much-loved Catalyst Live is back – and we’re going online for our most accessible and affordable event yet! ‘Lite’ in length but mighty in stature, Catalyst Lite 2020 boasts some of the world’s leading theology and Christian entertainment and you can have it in your home for one unforgettable Friday evening. You can buy your tickets for Catalyst Lite right now. It’s on Friday 9 October at 7.30 pm. It’s live. And it costs just £5.

What you can look forward to:

· A chance for you to hear from and ask your questions to Stanley Hauerwas – a legend, considered by many to be the world’s most influential living theologian

· Wisdom from Professor Anthony Reddie. As Black Lives Matter continues to influence our culture, you won’t want to miss out on hearing from an expert in Black Theology and the author of Is God Colour Blind?

· An exploration of nationalism and the Christian faith – and whether the two are compatible – from Baptist academic, author and Old Testament specialist Helen Paynter

· A behind-the-scenes look into the work of leading contemporary artist Makoto Fujumura, whose work has been described by the New York Times as “a small rebellion against the quickening of time”

· Everyone’s favourite musical genre – comedy-rap-jazz – from Harry Baker (World Poetry Slam Champion) and Chris Read (Award-winning song writer), aka Harry and Chris.

Please spread the word and encourage your friends to join you (and me) on the mission of the mind. Get ready to be challenged, entertained and inspired.

Online Services & Worship Songs
Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available by following the below links. The section also includes professionally recorded worship songs which can be used in your online services. These can be accessed here

Sunday 27 September 2020 (191 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP


The FAITHCAFE: ALL AGE WORSHIP
This week's worship service celebrates the humility of Jesus, who emptied himself to come to earth and redeem us, and looks at how we too might grow to be more like him in our daily life and relationships.

Meanwhile, NIGHT PRAYERS are returning shortly with a new look ...

Wednesday 23 September 2020 (187 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

SCBA Update


SCBA Update 23 September 2020
Welcome to SCBA’s Covid-19 update
This week Joth has put together a reflection called ‘3mph’. This can be found on our YouTube channel. Please click on the link and please feel free to subscribeo our channel. We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing. You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast or take a listen by clicking on the link. If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel by clicking on the link.
SCBA Regional Ministers’ Sermons
As we come to the end of the summer holidays, with ministers and leaders hopefully still managing to take some time off, the RM Team thought it would be helpful for all our churches to have access to pre-recorded sermons that they have filmed, which can be used in church services across our Association. Joth is currently putting together a YouTube Playlist containing the pre-recorded sermons, which can be accessed here
Baptists Together Update
The Baptist Union have continued to update the essential guidance for churches. Please continue to check any updates here.

Guidance on re-opening Baptist church buildings
Updated links on cover page to local lockdown restrictions in England and Wales. Updated section 3 to reflect the lack of clarity over larger gatherings in public outdoor spaces. Updated section 4 to reflect updated requirements for collecting data and displaying a QR code for checking on the NHS Test and Trace app. Updated text in Section 6 relating to reflect revised guidance for community buildings.

Guidance on church worship Changes in What is Allowed, and in Weddings in light of face coverings becoming mandatory in Wales.

Children’s, youth and families ministry Caveat added under General Guidance about face coverings. More detail included about toddler groups.

Listening to God
This autumn in a joint project with the Faith and Society Specialist Team, Baptists Together Mission Forum and The Fuelcast, a series of films are being released where people from all corners of the Baptist Family share how they have heard God speaking during 2020. With one being released each week they are fantastic to use for personal and group reflection. Watch them here

BMS World Mission: Catalyst Lite 2020
BMS World Mission’s much-loved Catalyst Live is back – and we’re going online for our most accessible and affordable event yet! ‘Lite’ in length but mighty in stature, Catalyst Lite 2020 boasts some of the world’s leading theology and Christian entertainment and you can have it in your home for one unforgettable Friday evening.

You can buy your tickets for Catalyst Lite right now. It’s on Friday 9 October at 7.30 pm. It’s live. And it costs just £5.

What you can look forward to:

A chance for you to hear from and ask your questions to Stanley Hauerwas – a legend, considered by many to be the world’s most influential living theologian

Wisdom from Professor Anthony Reddie. As Black Lives Matter continues to influence our culture, you won’t want to miss out on hearing from an expert in Black Theology and the author of Is God Colour Blind?

An exploration of nationalism and the Christian faith – and whether the two are compatible – from Baptist academic, author and Old Testament specialist Helen Paynter

A behind-the-scenes look into the work of leading contemporary artist Makoto Fujumura, whose work has been described by the New York Times as “a small rebellion against the quickening of time”

Everyone’s favourite musical genre – comedy-rap-jazz – from Harry Baker (World Poetry Slam Champion) and Chris Read (Award-winning song writer), aka Harry and Chris.

Please spread the word and encourage your friends to join you (and me) on the mission of the mind. Get ready to be challenged, entertained and inspired.

Crucible Course Modules Online
The Crucible Course is moving online for Autumn 2020. They are offering three modules during October to November 2020. Each module consists of four online sessions, run using Zoom. They are looking forward to running the Crucible Course in this new format. While there are limitations to online training and they will miss the interaction that happens in physical locations, Crucible Online will not only enable them to continue offering training but will enable them to engage with people who were not within easy reach of their venues. With fewer overheads they have been able to reduce the cost quite substantially, making the course accessible to more people.

Each module will cost £40 or £20 if you are unwaged. Bursaries are available.

Stream 1: After Christendom – on Tuesdays 6th and 20th October, 3rd and 17th November.
Stream 2: Church Unplugged – on Wednesdays 7th and 21st October, 4th and 18th November
Stream 3: Jesus Unplugged – on Thursdays 8th and 22nd October, 5th and 19th November

For more information, please go to: https://www.urbanexpression.org.uk/crucible/

Online Services & Worship Songs
Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available by following the below links. The section also includes professionally recorded worship songs which can be used in your online services. These can be accessed here

Sunday 20 September 2020 (184 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP


The FAITHCAFE: ALL AGE WORSHIP
I chose the title "tomorrow will be better", but after all the news regarding the pandemic this week and even worse in the last 24 hours, it looks as if tomorrow will not be better nationally for a long time. However, we can still get things better in our souls, and I hope this worship service will help you. God bless. Angus

Tuesday 15 September 2020 (179 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

SCBA Update


SCBA Update 15 September 2020
Welcome to SCBA’s Covid-19 update
This week Dave has put together a reflection called ‘Getting Older’. This can be found on our YouTube channel. Please click on the link and please feel free to subscribe to our channel. We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing. You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast. If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel.

SCBA Regional Ministers’ Sermons
As we come to the end of the summer holidays, with ministers and leaders hopefully still managing to take some time off, the RM Team thought it would be helpful for all our churches to have access to pre-recorded sermons that they have filmed, which can be used in church services across our Association. Joth is currently putting together a YouTube Playlist containing the pre-recorded sermons, which can be accessed here.

Baptists Together Update
The Baptist Union have continued to update the essential guidance for churches. Please continue to check any updates here.

Coronavirus advice:
Children’s, youth and families ministry Minor revisions throughout reflecting UK Government’s changes to social interaction guidance so that no more than 6 people from different households may socially interact whether indoors or outdoors. Note that each person should still remain physically distant from anyone from another household.

Guidance on re-opening Baptist church buildings Updated Section 3 to reflect the new guidance on social distancing that applies from 14 September and updates on use of outdoor spaces. Updated Section 4 to reflect the new legal force around collection of data for Track and Trace from 18 September.

Guidance on church worship Minor revisions throughout reflecting UK Government’s changes to social interaction guidance so that no more than 6 people from different households may socially interact whether indoors or outdoors. Note that each person should still remain physically distant from anyone from another household.

Online Services & Worship Songs
Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available by following the below links. The section also includes professionally recorded worship songs which can be used in your online services. These can be accessed here

Sunday 13 September 2020 (177 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP


The FAITHCAFE: ALL AGE WORSHIP
This week's all age worship is about music and how it can help bring us closer to God. It features the Zach Williams testimony, where Zach tells us how listening to a Christian song on the radio helped him decide to turn around from being a wayward rock singer, back to his Christian roots. He then went on to have a wonderful ministry and to write some great songs including "chain breaker" which is featured in this week's service. We also show two videos by Beth Croft, of Soul Survivor fame, where she tells us how music helps her in her daily reflections and through difficult times.

As we are still unable to meet together, we are allowing comments this week to try and help us feel part of the faithcafe community. Please feel free to leave a message, but please bear in mind that younger folks may be watching.

If you enjoy this service please like and share.

Celtic Night Prayers will be taking a break this coming weekas Stella and Andrew are having a well-earned break. It would be good if you could show your appreciation to Stella in some way, for all the work done keeping us worshipping and calming our fears with her evening reflections. Stella will be back with a vengeance next Sunday.

Abundant blessings to you all.

Angus
(tech assistant and bottle washer)

Wednesday 9 September 2020 (173 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC NIGHT PRAYER
Here are your night prayers for tonight and Friday. plus some Scottish music, Nightdream Meadow.

Celtic prayers will be having a break for a while while we take a break ourselves.

With kind regards, Stella.


Tuesday 8 September 2020 (172 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

SCBA Update
The FAITHCAFE


SCBA Update 9th September 2020
Welcome to SCBA’s Covid-19 update
This week Clare has put together a reflection called ‘Finishing Your Race’. This can also be found on our YouTube channel. Please click on the link and please feel free to subscribe to our channel. We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing.

You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast or take a listen by clicking here

If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel

Baptists Together Update
Please note that this week Baptist Together have reworked their essential guidance for churches during COVID. Please take a few minutes to refamiliarise yourself with the revised guidelines, which can be found here.

This week, the BU Coronavirus guidance has had two updates:

Children’s, youth and families ministry .- Removal from General Guidance of requirement for maximum group size to be six when off premises – National Youth Agency guidance, signposted by the Government, says group size may be 15 indoors or outdoors. Addition to General Guidance of permission for singing in children’s and youth groups under certain conditions.

Guideline Leaflet L18: Covid-19 Coronavirus Legal Issues - updated section on Residential Leases on pages 12-13. All the updates are in one place here (this page is updated whenever there is a change to our guidance):

Online Services & Worship Songs
Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available by following the below links. The section also includes professionally recorded worship songs which can be used in your online services. These can be accessed here
BMS Job Opportunity
BMS have an opportunity for a Temporary Supporter Engagement Administrator (part time). Please note that the closing date for application is 9am Thursday 10th September. Please click on this link for more details and pass onto anyone you think might be interested.





The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC NIGHT PRAYER
Tonight's prayers are attributed to Aiden who sailed to Iona from Ireland in the 6th century. For music inspired by Iona click " here
Please note that CELTIC NIGHT PRAYERS will not be sent out next week


Sunday 6 September 2020 (170 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP


The FAITHCAFE: ALL AGE WORSHIP
This week's worship asks which is better - serving Christ in practical ways or sitting at Jesus' feet? As some of our churches begin to open again, many believers have expressed their wish to do things differently this time. Our speaker, Rev. Dave Llewellyn, helps us reflect on this as we seek to wrestle with changes that seem to be far from 'normal' - whatever normal is.

Please note that Celtic Night Prayers will be taking a break but you will continue to receive our All Age Worship video on a Sunday.

With kind regards from Stella.


Thursday 3 September 2020 (167 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS - Columba
Columba's prayers. Columba was born in Ireland in 521 and was one of the twelve Celtic saints who sailed to the Isle of Iona in Scotland. He spread the Gospel and shared what he had with poor folk on the island. As a child he gave away all his wealth as he wanted to be a monk. He loved to read 'sacred books' - these would have included the study of nature and not just the Bible. Columba could be quick tempered as a young man, and it's heartening to know that these great saints were very human with very real weaknesses to overcome, just like us! If you enjoy this video please like / share & subscribe by clicking the red subscribe button. To access ancient Highland music, click onto the Song of Ascents.

Tuesday 1 September 2020 (165 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Prayers, Ebba
Tonight's prayers remember Ebba, a Celtic princess who surrendered her lifestyle to identify with the poor and serve Christ. Ebba founded a double monastery in Northumbria at Ebb's Head, which means that both men and women were catered for. While the Celtic Church was in existence, women exercised leadership as well as their better known-male counterparts. The music video is a melodic ballad about trusting God through hard times, written by Ira Stanphill after the death of his wife. Click here to hear this beautiful song of faith.

Sunday 30 August 2020 (163 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP


The FAITHCAFE: ALL AGE WORSHIP
Please click for today's worship, with content suitable for all ages.

With kind regards from Stella.


Friday 28 August 2020 (161 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


CELTIC PRAYERS: The FAITHCAFE
Tonight's prayers come from Bridgid of Ireland, a warmhearted saint who was full of compassion for the poor and had the courage to stand up to kings! The Irish version of The Blessing is here.

Wednesday 26 August 2020 (159 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


CELTIC PRAYERS: The FAITHCAFE
Tonight's Celtic prayers come from St. Aiden and are read by Andrew.

Tuesday 25 August 2020 (158 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

SCBA Update


SCBA Update 25th August 2020
Welcome to SCBA’s Covid-19 update
This week Joth has put together a reflection called ‘Watching the Sun Rise’. We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing. You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast or take a listen by clicking on the link: If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel.

SCBA Regional Ministers’ Sermons
As we come to the end of the summer holidays, with ministers and leaders hopefully still managing to take some time off, t he RM Team thought it would be helpful for all our churches to have access to pre-recorded sermons that they have filmed, which can be used in church services across our Association. Joth is currently putting together a YouTube Playlist containing the pre-recorded sermons, which can be accessed here.

The Baptist Union update
The Baptist Union have continued to update the essential guidance for churches. Please continue to check any updates here.

Re-opening Churches:
It is now possible to baptise by immersion in England as well as Wales - and we have updated our guidance accordingly. The update can be found on p8-9 in our "Guidance on Church Worship" document . Updated section 5 and other areas that referred to this section to reflect new rules on music groups leading worship. Also a minor amendment to the risk assessment document with a slightly reworded explanation of the scoring mechanism

Church Worship:
----Addition of permission for a small number of singers to sing in front of a congregation indoors or outdoors in England;
----Inclusion of renewed permission for wedding receptions of 30 people in England;
----Inclusion of probable permission for wedding receptions and funeral wakes of up to 30 people from 22 August in Wales.
----Inclusion of permission for baptism by immersion in Wales.
----Addition of a new section on prayer meetings and homegroups. detail here

Children’s, Youth and Families Ministry:
----Changes throughout to reflect permission for supervised children’s groups in Wales;
----Expansion of Toddler Group section to include ideas of how to meet outside. detail here

Online Services & Worship Songs
Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available by following the below links. The section also includes professionally recorded worship songs which can be used in your online services. These can be accessed here

Monday 24 August 2020 (157 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


CELTIC PRAYERS: ITA, from The FAITHCAFE:
Tonight's Celtic prayers bring us Ita's gentle wisdom for those going through times of grief, and other prayers of peace and acceptance.

Thank you. With love and blessings from Stella.

Sunday 23 August 2020 (156 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP


The FAITHCAFE: ALL AGE WORSHIP
Today's worship event with content suitable for children, young people and those of all ages.

With kind regards from Stella.


Saturday 22 August 2020 (155 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


CELTIC PRAYERS: The FAITHCAFE
Here are Scottish prayers about light and love. The song is well-known, 'Walk in the light.'

Thank you. With love and blessings from Stella.

Wednesday 19 August 2020 (152 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


Iona Night Prayers from The FAITHCAFE
This evening Andrew Hardiman brings you night prayers from the Iona community. To access the song afterwards please click here

Thank you. With love and blessings from Stella.

Tuesday 18 August 2020 (151 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS
Cuthbert & Felgid of Lindisfarne are remembered here, along with some beautiful prayers from the Celtic tradition. One of them is sung here by boys from Libera's choir.

Thank you. With love and blessings from Stella.

Sunday 16 August 2020 (149 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP


The FAITHCAFE: ALL AGE WORSHIP with BREAD & WINE.
Please have a piece of bread & something to represent wine to hand: it needn't be actual wine - you can use blackcurrant drink or water if you wish. If you have someone with you to share this part of the service, all the better. If your children are with you, give them fruit if you have it or squash if too young to understand.

Click for a contemporary worship service for people of all ages.

God bless you.

With kind regards from Stella.


Saturday 15 August 2020 (148 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS
Here is tonight's Celtic prayer offering together with music from Wales. The song in Welsh is a song of welcome to a much loved woman. I hope you enjoy it.

Wednesday 12 August 2020 (145 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS
For many centuries the Church in Wales had closer ties with the remaining Celtic churches in Scotland, Ireland and Brittany than with the Church in Anglo-Saxon England. Here are some prayers of St. David who is commonly known as the Celtic apostle of Wales. In the separate music video, Welsh band Ceredwyn sing in the Welsh language, creating beautiful sounds using traditional instruments. The song recounts the heroic deeds of a young man.

Wednesday 12 August 2020 (145 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS
For many centuries the Church in Wales had closer ties with the remaining Celtic churches in Scotland, Ireland and Brittany than with the Church in Anglo-Saxon England. Here are some prayers of St. David who is commonly known as the Celtic apostle of Wales. In the separate music video, Welsh band Ceredwyn sing in the Welsh language, creating beautiful sounds using traditional instruments. The song recounts the heroic deeds of a young man.

Monday 10 August 2020 (143 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS
Your prayers from the Celtic tradition. Also a lovely musical version of Patrick's hymn 'Christ be with me'.

Sunday 9 August 2020 (142 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP


The FAITHCAFE: All Age Worship.
Here is this week's all-age worship with a variety of songs & hymns, material for children & young people, prayers, Bible reading and contemporary message.

With kind regards from Stella.

Just a reminder that content provided by The FAITHCAFE is from an outside source. It is not a service or function of Sandown Baptist Church.

You might also like to take a look at today's Bapists Together prayer broadcast. and SCBA online service updates
          
Please also find links below to the other Baptist Churches on the Island where you may find online services and teaching similar to that available on the Southern Counties Baptist Association website.

Click on the individual Church logos to go to their website or their facebook page. (You may need to be a member of facebook to see that content.)


Thursday 6 August 2020 (139 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS
Tonight's prayers are associated with Boisil of Lindisfarne. I hope you find them reassuring. The song is from Kevin Boese, 'May the Peace of Christ go with you.'

Tuesday 4 August 2020 (137 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

Online Church Services
The Faithcafe


Online Church Services
Several of the Baptist churches on the island have online activities that all can see. These are mainly those churches which have a pastor in place or available to them. (As our readers will know Sandown Baptist Church currently has a pastoral vacancy.) Please find here links to the other Baptist Churches on the Island where you may find online services and teaching similar to that available on the Southern Counties Baptist Association website. (I have included a link to that and the Baptists Together site as well.)

Click on the individual Church logos to go to their website or their facebook page. (You may need to be a member of facebook to see that content.)

  
We will also continue to publish the prayers and services donated by Stella and Andrew Hardiman. The latest we have follows.
The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS
Tonight's Celtic prayers give thanks for the land, along with prayers for those in other countries fighting the COVID 19 virus.

We have also included the Evening Prayer Calm me Lord.

Sunday 02 August 2020 (135 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP


The FAITHCAFE: All Age Worship.
Here is this week's all-age worship with a variety of songs & hymns, material for children & young people, prayers, Bible reading and contemporary message.

With love from Stella.

Just a reminder that content provided by The FAITHCAFE is from an outside source. It is not a service or function of Sandown Baptist Church.

You might also like to take a look at today's Bapists Together prayer broadcast. and SCBA online service updates

Friday 31 July 2020 (133 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

Letter fron Isle of Wight Police
The FAITHCAFE


An open letter from the Isle of Wight Police

An open letter from Superintendent Sarah Jackson, District Commander.
The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS
Tonight's Scottish prayers are led by Andrew and you are invited to join in with the responses if you wish. The music is of an ancient traditional Scottish song called 'Isle of Joy' and probably refers to one of the Hebridean islands. With kind regards, Stella.

Just a reminder that content provided by The FAITHCAFE is from an outside source. It is not a service or function of Sandown Baptist Church.

You might also like to take a look at the Bapists Together prayer broadcasts. and SCBA online service updates

Wednesday 29 July 2020 (131 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS
Tonight's prayers are from Aiden and the contemporary Scottish music is called 'Nightdream Meadow.

Sleep well tonight!

With kind regards from Stella.

Just a reminder that content provided by The FAITHCAFE is from an outside source. It is not a service or function of Sandown Baptist Church. You might also like to take a look at today's Bapists Together prayer broadcast.

Tuesday 28 July 2020 (130 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

SCBA’s twentieth update since the Covid-19 crisis.


Welcome to SCBA’s twentieth update since the Covid-19 crisis.
This will be our last reflection and update until September. We will continue to watch for any important updates from BU and the government and will email our churches and communities if necessary.

This week Dave has put together a reflection called ‘Stop, Look, Listen’. Please click on the link and please feel free to subscribe to our channel. We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing. You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast .

If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel.

SCBA Regional Ministers’ Sermons
As we enter the summer holidays, with ministers and leaders hopefully managing to take some time off, the RM Team thought it would be helpful for all our churches to have access to pre-recorded sermons that they have filmed, which can be used in church services across our Association.

Joth is currently putting together a YouTube Playlist containing the pre-recorded sermons, which can be accessed here.

Baptists Together Update
The Baptist Union have continued to update the essential guidance for churches. Please continue to check any updates here.

Guideline Leaflet L18: Coronavirus Legal Issues
Churches are facing a very challenging time because of the lockdown imposed by the Government due to the coronavirus pandemic. This guidance aims to gather in one place the various legal and regulatory issues that have arisen because of the lockdown.

The latest version (updated on 24th July 2020) includes an update on informal hiring in relation to activities that are now permitted at this stage of the Government’s recovery plan and in accordance with their social distancing and other guidance (page 9). This can be downloaded here.

Guidance on re-opening Baptist Church Buildings
These guidance notes are intended to help Baptist Church trustees/leaders/ deacons work through the issues involved in the practicalities of re-opening their building and interpreting the guidance in a Baptist context.

The latest version (1.8 updated on 23rd July 2020) includes a new paragraph in section 4 on recording where people sit to mitigate against the entire congregation being asked to self-isolate by BHS Track and Trace

This can be downloaded here.

Guidance on Church Worship
This new guidance leaflet aims to help you think through the wider issues of gathering for worship. We recommend these issues are discussed carefully among church trustees alongside the Guidance on Re-Opening Baptist Churches. Above all, the BU encourages you not to rush to re-establish gathered corporate worship but only to do so prayerfully and after the widest possible consultation.

The latest version (Version 5 – updated 23rd July 2020) includes clarification on worship outdoors; life events to be held separately from services of worship; and wedding reception numbers.

This can be downloaded here.
National Churches Trust: Grants for Church Building Maintenance
Now that churches, chapels and meeting houses are once again able to be open for worship and visitors, National Churches Trust (NCT) would like to remind you of the availability of grant funding for essential maintenance work and small repairs through our Foundation grant programme, in partnership with the Pilgrim Trust.

Through the Foundation grant programme NCT can fund small works to your church building that cost up to £10,000 (excluding VAT) with grants of up to 50% of the cost (up to £5,000). Works would need to have 2 quotes in place and permissions if required. Decisions are made on a monthly basis. The final deadline for 2020 funding through this programme will be 30 October 2020, but as maintenance is so important to the condition of your building they urge you not to delay! Please follow the link for the full guidance and access to the online application form.

If you have any questions at all, please contact NCT: grants@nationalchurchestrust.org and they would be very happy to help. For details of the other grants they offer towards church building repairs see here.

You may also be interested in information NCT continue to update on their website relating to reopening churches following Covid-19
‘Mourning Glory’
‘Mourning Glory', written by Revd Pete Evens – minister at Sandhurst Baptist Church, is an attempt to offer an aid to people as they navigate their own unique path through grief.

The idea arose out of his time at Spurgeon's College where he discovered some theory which would have been helpful 10 years previously in his own grief. The text took shape to fulfil his NAMs requirements and has now become a printed book.

Pete offers you the fable of Tom and Mel as an aid to navigating your own unique path through grief and hopes that their story will enable you, in company and conversation, to make some sense of the dark feelings of mourning, opening up for you a hopeful glimpse of glory

It is available to purchase for £5 +£1.50 p+p for a single copy. At present, buying it is done by emailing Pete at MourningGlory2020@gmail.com with your name and address. He will then send you an invoice for payment. If you really like it and want multiple copies, he would be happy to negotiate.


Online Services & Worship Songs
Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available by following the below links. Please feel free to forward these to your congregation if this will be of help. The section also includes professionally recorded worship songs which can be used in your online services. These can be accessed here

Sunday 26 July 2020 (128 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP


The FAITHCAFE: All Age Worship. The Chemistry of Change
Please find your All Age Worship here.

With love from Stella.

Just a reminder that content provided by The FAITHCAFE is from an outside source. It is not a service or function of Sandown Baptist Church. You might also like to take a look at today's Bapists Together prayer broadcast.

Friday 24 July 2020 (127 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS, Hilda & Ebba
Tonight's prayers illuminate two more female Celtic saints, Hilda & Ebba. Both came from royal families of Northumbria and were likely baptised by Aiden along with their families. The music is a Celtic Hymn Medley by Taryn Harbridge

Thursday 23 July 2020 (127 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

Keswick


Virtually Keswick Convention – starts Monday 27th July!
The online Convention will run Monday 27 to Friday 31 July. Join us for five days of encouraging Bible teaching and sung worship for all the family.

During Virtually Keswick Convention, sessions will be livestreamed on this homepage and our Keswick Convention YouTube channel.

They will then be available afterwards on the Daily Programmes and Events pages and our YouTube channel.

Take a look at our How to guide for practical points of how to access the programme.

Do check out outline programme on our homepage and explore the site to see what's happening.

Wednesday 22 July 2020 (126 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS. Brigid.
Brigid was a generous Irish saint with a gift of hospitality & her prayers reflect this. Included is an Irish Blessing May the Road Rise Up to Meet You.

Tuesday 21 July 2020 (125 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

SCBA UPDATE Issue 19


Welcome to SCBA’s nineteenth update since the Covid-19 crisis.
This week Joth has put together a reflection called ‘Stop’. This can be found on our YouTube channel. We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing. You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast. If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel.
SWBA – News from our Partner Association
Coronavirus Response
Lynn Green (General Secretary, Baptists Together) shared her message in a special South West Baptist Association webinar reflecting on what God has been teaching us during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown. This can be viewed here.

SWBA Webinars
Our friends at SWBA would like to share two webinars that they will be hosting over the next week:

Explore Your Calling – Thursday 23rd July, 11am-12pm
An informal, no pressure, ‘just looking’ webinar for those beginning to think God may be calling them to something new. With Steve Finamore (Principal, Bristol Baptist College), Mark Ord (Director of Training, BMS World Mission), Paul Friend (Director, South West Youth Ministries) & the SWBA Team.

Who is this for? Anyone interested… this is a ‘no strings attached’ session. Church Leaders may have people in mind that they’d like to encourage to attend. More details here


Mental Health: Children & Young People – Tuesday 28th July, 11am-12pm
With Hannah Dengate (Wellbeing Lead with Christian Schools charity, Phase) & the SWBA Team. Hannah will share ways that you can help to prepare your child over the summer months for their return to school in September. There will also be opportunity to ask questions and explore various online resources that you may find helpful. Who is this for? Anyone interested… but principally for parents of children & young people of all ages, including those who may attend church-run groups but who are not yet Christians. More details here.

Online Services & Worship Songs
Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available by following the below links. Please feel free to forward these to your congregation if this will be of help. The section also includes professionally recorded worship songs which can be used in your online services. These can be accessed here

Monday 20 July 2020 (124 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

A Message from our Moderator
The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS, Ita.
People Matter IW contact Details
Safe Haven Service for Children...
IWC Public Health Shielding Advice
IWC Public Libraries information


A Message from our Moderator,
The Reverend Roland Wort



Hello there again!

80 years ago, in July 1940, the Battle of Britain commenced in the skies over The Channel and Southern England.

Although the RAF pilots quite rightly get the praise and admiration for defeating the numerically superior German Luftwaffe, it is interesting that on closer inspection our air force was actually a truly diverse and multinational force. There were pilots and aircrew from the Fleet Air Arm and Army, and they were joined by Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, South Africans, Rhodesians, Poles, Czechoslovakians, Belgians and French. There were even some pilots from Ireland, the USA, Jamaica, Barbados and Palestine.

There were also those in the background who worked long hours to keep the aircraft safe and operationally capable. Yes, there were the dashing and handsome pilots flying their Spitfires and Hurricanes; but we mustn’t forget the mechanics, aircraft handlers, air traffic controllers, radar operators and the many others who did their best, professionally, to aid and assist the pilot.

The Battle of Britain was a real united effort, with a large squad of international pilots, backed up by a multitude of engineers, technicians, skilled workers and planners. Team work is important in all walks of life – even Jesus had a team of 12 to help him. And just look at the team he chose! They weren’t perfect human beings, frequently misunderstanding Jesus and slow to interpret the meanings of his parables. James and John tried to get the best places in heaven and Thomas wanted physical proof that Jesus had been raised from the dead. Matthew had been a tax-collector, thus collaborating with the hated Romans, and if we were choosing a team of helpers, I doubt whether we would have chosen the impetuous and impulsive Peter as the leader!

The church has never been perfect, just a gathering of imperfect human beings. But all of us have a part to play and it’s a privilege to be a member of Team Jesus!

Goodbye for now and with the COVID19 restrictions being relaxed over the next few months, I hope to see you soon in the autumn.

Roland
The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS, Ita.
Tonight's reflection introduces prayer as simply a conversation between you and God. Celtic prayers are usually simple and repetitive with phrases such as 'The peace of all peace be mine this night' that we can repeat to ourselves and explore God's reassuring presence. There is also a link here to Psalm 84
Links from Sandown Forum
Check out the new contact details for Isle of Wight People Matter here

The contact details for the IW Safe Haven service for Children and Young people are here

The latest IWC Public Health Shielding Advice is here

and on a slightly more prosaic note the latest IWC Public Libraries information is here.

Sunday 19 July 2020 (123 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP


The FAITHCAFE All Age Worship, LED BY THE SPIRIT
This week's worship service highlights the new believer's transformation from old to new: slavery to adoption into God's family. A tension remains as we seek to choose the new Spirit led life Jesus gives us over old ways of being that still clamour for our attention.

With love from Stella. <

Just a reminder that content provided by The FAITHCAFE is from an outside source. It is not a service or function of Sandown Baptist Church. You might also like to take a look at today's Bapists Together prayer broadcast.

Wednesday 15 July 2020 (119 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

SCBA Covid-19 Advice & Resources - Update 18 (including Baptists Together Updates)
The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS - Columba


SCBA Covid-19 Advice & Resources - Update 18
We are taking a few days off from sending out a video reflection this week but if you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel
Baptists Together Update
We are so grateful for the hard work represented in the continuously updated guidelines and resources from our specialist teams at Baptist House. There are further updates below but, as a reminder, many of the questions that are being asked about meeting and re-opening are dealt with in the excellent guidelines on the Coronavirus section of the Baptists Together website.

Coronavirus Legal Issues
BUGB Guideline Leaflet L18 (Updated 13th July 2020)

Churches are facing a very challenging time because of the lockdown imposed by the Government due to the coronavirus pandemic. This guidance aims to gather in one place the various legal and regulatory issues that have arisen because of the lockdown.

The leaflet can be downloaded here.

Risk Assessment Prior to Re-opening Baptist Church Buildings
The government has announced that from 4 July 2020, Places of Worship in England will be permitted to open again for services, in addition to being open for private prayer which has been permitted since 13 June 2020.

Your key legal requirement prior to re-opening is to carry out a risk assessment and then implement any control measures identified. We have created a template to help you do this:

Download the template in pdf format
Download the template in Word format

We have also written a new guidance leaflet which is intended to help churches work through the practicalities of re-opening.

Please also see the new Guidance on Church Worship from our Ministries Team.

Online Services & Worship Songs
Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available by following the below links. section also includes professionally recorded worship songs which can be used in your online services. These can be accessed here.
THE FAITHCAFE CELTIC PRAYERS - Columba
Tonight Andrew brings you some history about St. Columba and reads some of his prayers.
You can also hear The Celtic Blessing | Celtic Worship & Friends

With love from Stella.

Tuesday 14 July 2020 (118 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

A Message from Tearfund
THE FAITHCAFE CELTIC PRAYERS - Brendan


A Message from Tearfund
Dear Friends,

In April, you stood with us as the church took immediate action to help prevent the spread of coronavirus in vulnerable communities. We are deeply grateful for your church’s prayerful support. You helped provide 1.3 million people across 34 countries with life-saving assistance such as hygiene education, hand washing facilities and food parcels.

Now, I’m asking you to stand with us again.

Even as the pandemic slows down here in the UK, across the world it is accelerating. People already suffering due to conflict, persecution and poverty now face the threat of a disease against which they have little protection.

Millions of lives are at stake, and the need is growing every day.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) – a group of 14 of the UK’s leading aid charities – has launched an urgent appeal for help. We’re joining with other DEC members to ask for your support.

>In Yemen, millions of people have been facing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with extreme hunger and violence part of everyday life. Now, there’s coronavirus too.
>In the Democratic Republic of Congo, decades of internal conflict, as well as numerous Ebola outbreaks, have wreaked havoc upon the country. Now, there’s coronavirus too.
>In Syria, entire cities have been reduced to rubble in one of the most destructive conflicts in recent history. Millions have been forced from their homes. Now, there’s coronavirus too

These countries and many others simply do not have the infrastructure to cope with the pandemic, and risk being taken beyond the brink of disaster.

But there is hope. Because there is the church.

Tearfund continues to step up its response, working with local churches and other partners to reach people in need. There are a number of ways in which you can support this work:

>Pray: we have up-to-date prayer slides to use in services and small groups, as well as a helpful prayer guide. You can find these on our website.
>Act: you can raise awareness about how coronavirus is affecting people living in poverty by hosting an online talk.
>Give: the sacrificial giving of the UK church has already been a lifeline to vulnerable communities. But more needs to be done. If you are able, please consider giving to our appeal.

Thank you for joining us as we continue to follow Jesus where the need is greatest. Further challenges lie ahead, but if you act now you can save lives.

With every blessing,
Virginia Luckett
UK Churches Director, Tearfund


THE FAITHCAFE CELTIC PRAYERS - Brendan
Andrew Hardiman brings tonight's prayer from Brendan. and the music brings you I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say".

With love from Stella.

Monday 13 July 2020 (117 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

THE FAITHCAFE CELTIC PRAYERS - PATRICK


THE FAITHCAFE CELTIC PRAYERS - PATRICK
Tonight's prayers are led by Andrew Hardiman and the music brings you an ancient Celtic tune.

With love from Stella.

Sunday 12 July 2020 (116 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP


The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP
Here is this week's all-age worship service for all ages. We hope you enjoy it & feel free to share it with others.

With love from Stella.

Friday 10 July 2020 (114 Days since our first post on this blog. )
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS from WALES


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS from WALES
Tonight we bring you prayers of St. David and others associated with Wales, along with the Welsh song 'All Through the Night.'

With love from Stella.

Thursday 9 July 2020 (113 Days since our first post on this blog. )
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS from WALES


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS from WALES
Tonight's prayers are led by Andrew Hardiman, who reflects on Alexander's Breastplate and others. The song is "How Great Thou Art"

With love from Stella.

Wednesday 8 July 2020 (112 Days since our first post on this blog. )
See below for:

SCBA Email Update, Issue 17
1) Weekly Reflection
2) Baptists Together Update
3) Baptist Together Prayer Broadcast
4) Online Services & Worship Songs

UPDATES FROM SANDOWN FORUM
1) - Coronavirus - IWASP - HMRC Scam Alert issued 6 July
2) - Coronavirus - IWASP - Mobil Text Scam Warning issued 6 July
3) - Coronavirus - Wessex Cancer Trust Support Helpline Changes w.e.f. 13 July 2020
4) - Coronavirus - Changes to Free Car Parking for Key Workers w.e.f. 13 July.
5) - Mountbatten Shops Re-opening - Volunteers needed please.
6) - IW PedalAid Fundraising efforts for Island charities latest results
7) - Coronavirus - NHS Covid-Zero Report to Government


Weekly Reflection
This week Colin has put together a reflection called ‘Pathways’. This can be found on our YouTube channel. Please click on the link below and please feel free to subscribe to our channel. If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel
Baptists Together Update
Essential Guidance
The government announced on 23rd June a change to the regulations regarding the opening of places or worship, and on 29th June released detailed guidance for churches in England related to this.

Baptist Together continue to update the Essential Guidance which can be found here.

The updates include:

· Essential Advice for Churches
· Guidance on Re-opening Baptist Church Buildings
· Sample Posters for Church Buildings
· Guidance on Church Worship

Please continue to check the Essential Guidance on the Baptist Together website as this is updated regularly.
Baptist Together Prayer Broadcast
Every Wednesday and Sunday the Baptists Together offers a time of prayer.

The link for the next prayer broadcast and the previous one can be accessed here.
Online Services & Worship Songs
Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available here. The section also includes professionally recorded worship songs which can be used in your online services.
UPDATES FROM SANDOWN FORUM
1) The Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership, IWASP, reports yet another Scam Alert issued 6 July.

2) And another one, this time by text message entitled "important Coronavirus update in your area". It is no such thing!

3) From People Matter IW, some changes to the Wessex Cancer Support Helpline.

4) From Isle of Wight Council, changes to the scheme of free parking for key workers

5) This is better news, the Mountbattens shops are reopening and have issued a call for volunteers.

6) And now for something completely different! Isle of Wight PedalAid has issued the most recent report on their fundraising efforts. A donation from this will go to The Food Bank, The Brainy Bunch, the RNLI and Free Food in Sandown.

7) The last of this group goes to Coronavirus again. This is a copy of the NHS covid sero report from University Hospital Southampton.

Tuesday 7 July 2020 (111 Days since our first post on this blog. ELEVENTY ONE DAYS! )
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS from WALES


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS from WALES
Here are your night prayers from WALES and some music to keep you in the mood!

With love from Stella.

Monday 6 July 2020 (110 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Prayers from Scotland


The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Prayers from Scotland
Tonight's prayers come from St. Cuthbert who was a monk at Melrose in the Scottish borders. The song is the Highlands Song of Assent.

With love from Stella.

Sunday 5 July 2020 (109 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP


The FAITHCAFE ALL AGE WORSHIP: Laying Down the Baggage
Here is this week's worship service for all ages. We hope you enjoy it & feel free to share it with others.

With love from Stella.

Friday 3 July 2020 (107 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Prayers from Scotland
NHS 72nd Birthday
Coronavirus - IW Police Alert re Easing of Government Restrictions 4 July


The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Prayers from Scotland
Tonight's Celtic prayers include a Scottish ocean prayer and night prayers from the island of Iona. The Scottish Music is Nightdream Meadow
With kind regards, Stella.
NHS 72nd Birthday
This Sunday 5 July is the 72nd birthday of the NHS. The Loudest Clap Ever" is planned for 5pm.
Coronavirus - IW Police Alert re Easing of Government Restrictions 4 July
Please read this message from Hampshire Constabulary. There is a link in the document which will not work because it is an old style non-editable .pdf. The link can be accessed here

Wednesday 1 July 2020 (105 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Prayers from Scotland


The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Prayers from Scotland
Tonights' prayers from Scotland include a Celtic blessing & a prayer for love and light dating back to the 6th Century.
The song 'Jesus Christ is Waiting' was written by Glaswegian John Bell of the Iona community.

With love from Stella.

Tuesday 30 June 2020 (104 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast 2020
SCBA Covid-19 Reflection, Advice & Resources - Update 16
--- A reflection called ‘Choosing What is Better’.
--- Baptist Together Prayer Broadcast
--- Online Worship Services
Scottish Prayers from Iona: The FAITHCAFE


National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast 2020
Norma writes that this event was "very interesting and inspiring".

The National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast is an annual recognition of the contribution that Christianity makes to the national life of the UK. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast took place online and was livestreamed from 8.30-9.00am on Tuesday 30 June. The event was chaired by Marsha de Cordova MP and the main speaker was the Bishop of Kensington, the Rt Revd Dr Graham Tomlin, who addressed the theme of ‘Hope and peace in a time of fear and suffering.’

You can watch a recording on the Christians in parliament website or on the group's youtube channel.
SCBA’s sixteenth update since the Covid-19 crisis.
This week Dave has put together a reflection called ‘Choosing What is Better’. This can be found on our YouTube channel. Please click on the link and please feel free to subscribe to our channel. We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing, either by sharing this email or by including it in your online services.

You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast or take a listen by clicking on the link.

If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting by clicking our channel
Baptist Together Prayer Broadcast
Every Wednesday and Sunday the Baptists Together offers a time of prayer.

The link for the next prayer broadcast and the previous one can be accessed here.
Online Worship Services
Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available here.
Scottish PRAYERS from Iona: The FAITHCAFE
Tonight's Celtic prayers are from the Isle of Iona, along with some traditional Scottish blessings entitled "Calm Me Lord"

With kind regards,
Stella.

Monday 29 June 2020 (103 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

Scottish CELTIC PRAYERS from The FAITHCAFE


Scottish CELTIC PRAYERS from The FAITHCAFE
Aiden travelled to Iona in the sixth century with a dozen other monks and from there set up Scottish communities of believers. Here are some of Aiden's simple but beautiful prayers. The song is a Celtic prayer set to music by John Rutter.

With love from Stella.

Sunday 28 June 2020 (102 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

ALL AGE WORSHIP from The FAITHCAFE
Baptist Together Prayer Broadcast


ALL AGE WORSHIP from The FAITHCAFE
This week's intergenerational worship (replacement link)asks what God might be saying to us in a 'new normal' British society? With topical themes of racial equality, justice and peace, children's content & inspirational music.

With kind regards from Stella.

Just a reminder that content provided by The FAITHCAFE is from an outside source. It is not a service or function of Sandown Baptist Church. Please also take a look at the prayer broadcasts by Baptists Together (see below) and the weekly reflections from SCBA.
Baptist Together Prayer Broadcast
Every Wednesday and Sunday the Baptists Together offers a time of prayer. The link for the next prayer broadcast and the previous one can be accessed here.

Friday 26 June 2020 (100 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

A Thankyou from the organisers of the online Hullabaloo


A Thankyou from the organisers of the online Hullabaloo
Sorry for this being belated but here’s a massive thank you for coming out for Discovery Bay at Hullabaloo! We splashed out and got you all a bunch of flowers….

Thanks to everyone’s collective expertise, creativity, enthusiasm, amazing camera/recording skills , word spreading and winning ways, I reckon everyone’s not only managed to give a global pandemic a what-for, and brought a 3-day festival online when everything around the country was being cancelled, but there is now also a lasting celebration of the Isle of Wight Biosphere, natural science, arts and ways to discover the Island and beyond over on the Hullabaloo website. And hopefully our Secret Skylark, Rosie Johnson will be taking home her bronze award for the D of E too!

Everyone is still collating the facts and figures and the Hullabaloo team will send out a proper press release, but Nige and Ches report that there were a huge volume of watchers of the videos on Facebook and really surprising was the global reach for the website! 1500 hits just over those few days which is great considering the main focus over that time was the live feed on Facebook. Here’s the list of countries who visited and where we hope people will continue to explore everyone’s videos, links and activities, Sandown Bay and the Isle of Wight Biosphere for a long time to come!

Thursday 25 June 2020 (99 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS from Lindisfarne


The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Prayers from Lindisfarne
Tonight the Celtic saint Cuthbert is introduced. Cuthbert was a shepherd boy tending his sheep in Northumbria when he saw a vision of angels accompanying Aiden to glory. He was a pupil of Boisil and went on to be an early Celtic church leader. The song is one of mine & sung with the band 'Salt & Light.'
With love from Stella.

Wednesday 24 June 2020 (98 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS from Lindisfarne


The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Prayers from Lindisfarne
Tonight's prayers are from Boisil who was prior at Melrose Abbey.
The song is "Because He Lives"
With love from Stella.

Tuesday 23 June 2020 (97 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for:

SCBA Covid-19 Reflection, Advice & Resources - Update 15
The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS from Lindisfarne


Welcome to SCBA’s fifteenth update since the Covid-19 crisis.
This week Joth has put together a reflection called Walking The Itchen Way’. This can be found on our YouTube channel. Please click on the link and please feel free to subscribe to our channel. There is also a shorter Edited version.

You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast or take a listen by clicking on the link.

We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing.

If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel by clicking here
Baptist Together Update
Racial Justice Webinars

The Covid-19 crisis has written large the pre-existing and ongoing inequalities that exist within this country, especially along the lines of race and ethnicity. The ‘Hostile Environment', the ‘Windrush Scandal’, the Grenfell Tower Fire, anti-immigration sentiments of ‘Brexit’ and more recently the anti-racist protests, are evidence that institutional racism remains deeply hidden within Britain’s society, resulting in the loss of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) lives.

It can be argued that the Church has yet to have a comprehensive conversation around racial justice matters, despite the magnitude of their impact. This lack of engagement has resulted in confusion, frustration and anger and has, in part, contributed to the Black Lives Matter protests.

In light of the murder of George Floyd and the wave of anti-racist protests, Baptists Together and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) have organised a number of events over the coming year, including a series of webinars to address racial justice matters. The aim of these webinars is to resource churches, associations and colleges to theologically engage with racism and advocate against racism in both the Church and society.

For more information and to access the webinars and events, please go to this page
Baptist Together Prayer Broadcast
Every Wednesday and Sunday the Baptists Together offers a time of prayer. The link for the next prayer broadcast and the previous one can be accessed here.
Children, Youth & Mission Training
Children, Youth & Mission Training Celebrates 20 Years with Leicester Move

The Institute for Children, Youth and Mission (CYM) is celebrating 20 years of providing specialist training through BA and MA qualifications in ministry with young people, children and families. An imminent move to new premises next to Leicester’s Cathedral Gardens allows CYM to enable Christians from all backgrounds to develop their expertise, theological understanding and spiritual resources for careers in mission and ministry with children, families, young people, communities and chaplaincy. CYM’s BA and MA courses are eligible for funding under the student loan system. If you know Christians considering such a vocation, they can find out what makes CYM the UK’s specialist college for their training by visiting www.cym.ac.uk. Link details for online open days can be obtained from Caroline Rowbottom here .
Online Worship Services
Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available by following the below links. Please feel free to forward these to your congregation if this will be of help.

You can find the list of churches on our website.
The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Prayers from Lindisfarne
Tonight I bring some new prayers from Ebba and reflect on the kindness of the Holy Spirit - something she mentions in her prayers. The music, too, is calming; let it calm your soul, your mind and your spirit as you rest your deepest self in Christ. With love from Stella.

Monday 22 June 2020 (96 Days since our first post on this blog.
AND 100 DIFFERENT COMPUTERS HAVE OPENED OUR PAGE )
See below for:

The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Prayers from Lindisfarne
Sandown in Bloom (via Sandown Forum)


The FAITHCAFE: Celtic Prayers from Lindisfarne
Although Aiden came from Ireland to the island of Iona to set up a Christian community there, he ended up bringing the faith to Northumbria too, creating a mixed community of round stone homes at Lindisfarne. Tonight's prayers include some new material, though where exactly he prayed them we will never know!
With love from Stella.
Sandown in Bloom
Entries for Sandown in Bloom close on 30th June so please get your entries in and spread the word to any friends or neighbours. The entry form is here but you can also e-mail with name, address, phone number and and best e-mail address together with a note of which class you are entering.

We hope you are all keeping well and surviving the difficult period we are all going through, especially our local businesses.

Best wishes
SCA committee

PS we have added some floral artwork to the art wall (opposite the Old Corner Bank) in the High Street and welcome any other floral art or photos to add to the display through July and August

Sunday 21 June 2020 (95 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for

The FAITHCAFE: All-Age Worship, God as Loving Parent
Coronavirus - St Mary's Hospital Rules for Attending - issued on 19 June


The FAITHCAFE: All-Age Worship, God as Loving Parent
This week's worship is a FATHER'S DAY SPECIAL with more of your favourite songs & hymns, puppets for the young at heart and a short talk from Baptist Regional Minister, Dave LLewellyn.
Don't forget to forward to Dads & Grandads, or to share, like & subscribe if you enjoy our services...
Stella.
Coronavirus - St Mary's Hospital Rules for Attending - issued on 19 June
In case you are intending to visit the hospital soon please read this from the Isle of Wight NHS Trust



Our top priority in the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic is to protect our patients, our staff and our community.

From Monday 15th June, all visitors and patients attending an outpatient appointment will be required to wear a face covering. This is in line with the latest Government guidance.

To help you prepare please read the following guidance before you attend your appointment.

Make sure you have a suitable face covering that you can wear to your appointment. It should cover your nose and mouth, and you should be able to breathe comfortably.

Please arrive at the time your appointment is scheduled. Please do not come early. This will help us maintain social distancing measures.

As we continue to try and limit the number of people visiting our hospitals you will need to attend your appointment unaccompanied. However there are a few examples where patients are allowed to bring a chaperone with them, including:

If the patient is a child
They lack capacity

If you or anyone in your household have experienced symptoms of coronavirus in the last 14 days, please do not attend your appointment unless you have confirmed it is safe to do so with the relevant department.


Friday 19 June 2020 (93 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for

The Faithcafe Celtic Prayers


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS, Ireland
Tonight's prayers are from Ita who was known for her compassion, and founded Celtic communities of believers in Ireland. The song is "Be Thou My Vision" sung by Audrey Assad.
With kind regards from Stella.

Thursday 18 June 2020 (92 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for

The Faithcafe Celtic Prayers
Coronavirus - Details of a Shielding Scam Alert from IWASP and Trading Standards
Coronavirus - IW Police and Action Fraud Scams Protection Advice
Hullabaloo At Home 2020 - How To Join In Information .


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS, Ireland
In tonight's prayers you are valued as infinitely precious to God, & the darkness of depression, loss or trauma is prayed about. Prayers from Saint Patrick & Boisil. There is also an Irish Blessing, from RTÉ Choirs. (During May 2020, three RTÉ Choirs combined, singing from their homes, to perform a setting of the Irish Blessing. With words attributed to St Patrick himself, in a beautiful setting by Victor C Johnson, it reminds us that there is love, beauty and hope to be found in even the most challenging of times.)
kind regards from Stella.
Details of a Shielding Scam Alert from IWASP and Trading Standards
Please look at this document. It is not only of interest to those who are shielding.
IW Police and Action Fraud Scams Protection Advice
And this document tells you how to protect yourself from Coronavirus reletd scams
.
Hullabaloo At Home 2020 - How To Join In Information
And this document comes to us via Sandown Forum and is all about the Hullabaloo at home.
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Wednesday 17 June 2020 (91 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for

The Faithcafe Celtic Prayers


The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS, Ireland
Here are some Celtic prayers from Aiden & Felgid for you this evening. I have put one to a Celtic tune.
kind regards from Stella.

Tuesday 16 June 2020 (90 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for

SCBA’s fourteenth update since the Covid-19 crisis including:
A reflection called ‘Moving into the Neighbourhood’.
Baptist Together Updates
----Essential Advice for Churches
----Planning for the Future
----Baptist Together Prayer Broadcast
Online Worship Services
The Faithcafe Celtic Prayers


‘Moving into the Neighbourhood’
This week Clare has put together a reflection called ‘Moving into the Neighbourhood’. This can be found on our YouTube channel. Please click on the link and please feel free to subscribe to our channel. We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing.

You will also find a podcast version on our podcast channel ‘SCBApod’. Subscribe to us on Spotify or Apple Podcast or take a listen by clicking on the link:

If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel.

Baptist Together Updates
Essential Advice for Churches
The Baptist Union continues to update the advice and guidance for our churches and communities. This includes the guidance leaflet L18: Covid-19 Coronavirus Legal Issues, which was updated on 15th June; as well as guidance on Opening Churches and Guidance for Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms. The updated guidance can be accessed here. Please continue to check this webpage for updates.
Planning for the Future
As restrictions on closed churches begin to ease, Baptist Together are sharing information to help churches and communities prepare for the future. Articles include: Scenario Planning for an Unknown Future; What will Your Church Look Like After Lockdown (Hope); and Churches – Time to Open the Doors Safely (Anthony Collins Solicitors).

The information can be accessed " here:
Baptist Together Prayer Broadcast
Every Wednesday and Sunday Baptists Together offers a time of prayer. The link for the next prayer broadcast and the previous one can be accessed here.
Online Worship Services
Thank you to all those churches who have opened up their Sunday worship to others. You will find a variety of both live streaming and pre-recorded service available our website.
The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS with Uplifting Music
Tonight's prayers are from Ebba & Aiden(7th C.) as well as a contemporary 'Prayer for our Times' from Rootsontheweb.com. The music is an instrumental version of How great thou art.
With love from Stella.

Monday 15 June 2020 (89 Days since our first post on this blog.)
See below for

Neighbourhood Policing Priorities Survey (via Sandown Forum)
The Faithcafe Celtic Prayers


IW Police - Neighbourhood Policing Priorities Survey (via Sandown Forum)
This from Jean Orman of Sandown Forum. The link in the document. is not live. It is reproduced here.
The FAITHCAFE: CELTIC PRAYERS
Tonight's Celtic prayers focus upon blessings for the land and all that grows in the vegetable plot & flower garden; with contemporary prayers for our world & current events. The song is Because He Lives.
With love from Stella.
The blog has been trimmed to one month to make loading on phones easier.
To See what has been trimmed off go too The Blog History File.