SCBA Update 1 December 2020

This week Colin has put together a reflection called ‘Making Room’. This can be found on our YouTube channel. Please click on the link below 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 the link.

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

Baptists Together Update

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

The BU have now published updated church worship guidance and the advice for children’s, youth and families ministry. Please note they are still awaiting a detailed update to the UK Government’s guidance for 2nd December onwards, so the information on these pages may change. In the meantime, they hope they are useful.

Coronavirus: Guidance on Church Worship The major revision to the document is to reflect the revised rules in England from 2nd December.

Coronavirus Advice: Children’s, Youth & Families Ministry This includes the removal of lockdown restrictions in England; the re-organisation of the general guidance into supervised groups and parent and child groups; changes to advice on singing and face covering; and an addition of a limit to group size for parent and child group0s. https://www.baptist.org.uk/.../Coronavirus_advice...

Advent Resource:
37 Kings and a Budgerigar

This advent resource has been written by Revd Richard Littledale, minister at Newbury Baptist Church.

For many of us, putting out a crib set is one of our treasured Christmas traditions. But what do these scenes really tell us about the original Christmas story?

Join Richard as he shares reflections, Bible readings and prayers for each day of advent based on his own personal collection of nativity sets from around the world.

Renew the wonder of the nativity story through these thought-provoking devotions.

This resource is available from all good bookshops.

Children’s Christmas Resource

The CYF team at Testwood Baptist Church would like to share their online children’s Christmas resource with the rest of our association.

“The Baubles” – join Ted and the rest of The Baubles on a journey to the very top of the Christmas tree! Hear the story to discover what Christmas is all about and find linked activites on the website.

The resource is in eight chapters, with a resource to go with each chapter.

Online Services, Worship Songs & Carols

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 services 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

The FAITHCAFE All Age Worship
& Prayers of Recovery - Psalm 69

At Advent we wait for God in the darkness as the days get shorter, and prepare for the coming of our 'Emmanuel' - Light of the World, our deliverer. As we go through a global pandemic, climate change and the various stuff of life, we remember to 'Cast our cares upon the Lord, for he cares for you!' (1 Pet.5) as we look forward in our all-age worship to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ..

In our prayers of recovery, the psalm writers often use images of drowning or thrashing about in deep water as a symbol of emotional distress. By expressing his feelings of fear the psalmist finds trust in his God.

At the beginning of Advent the blog file will once again be trimmed to make it easier for devices with a smaller memory to handle. Back issues will be archived and will be available on request.

SCBA Update 27 November 2020

This week Joth has put together a reflection called ‘Rejoice’. 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 the link:

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

SCBA Regional Ministers’ Sermons

As we are in a period of lockdown, the RM Team wanted to remind our churches that you have access to pre-recorded sermons that the RMT have filmed, which can be used in church services across our Association.

Joth has put 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.

The latest BU advice regarding the opening of churches after 2nd December will be published on Monday. Please visit their website here to access it.

Youthscape Resource: Together Apart 2

Together Apart 2: God at the Centre is the second series of a resource first released during lockdown earlier in 2020 – you can find series one here. This edition is even bigger than the first with 90 minutes of content for you to delve into all about seven key values that Youthscape believe are at the heart of everyday discipleship.

The seven values are worship, prayer, family, power, justice, evangelism and creativity.

To download the free resource, please click here.

Apply

Apply is devotional journal for teenagers, designed to help them access the Bible in a way that shows them how it applies to each area of their lives. We know that reading the Bible regularly is a habit that will change teenagers' lives, so we wanted to make a resource that would let them explore God's word for themselves and see what it has to say to them.

Bible devotionals for young people haven't changed much in the past 30 years, so Apply is a fresh approach. It has 52 sessions, each of which explores a Bible passage by using the 9 Ways to dig into the meaning behind the verses. These 9 Ways show our readers how to be Grateful for what God is saying, how to reflect on the Bible, and how to evaluate where they currently stand. It gives them a chance to tell God how they're feeling, and hear from Him, as well as involve others by reaching out and becoming accountable within their communities. Each session will help them grow in their knowledge of the Bible, will inspire them to ponder on Bible truths, encourages them to action, and challenges them to 'go big' in terms of how they apply the passage.

Apply can be used alone or by groups, daily or over a longer period of time. It has lots of space for journaling so will become a really personal book that walks them through their Bible-reading journey.

More information can be found 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 services 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

The FAITHCAFE Prayers of Recovery BREAKING FREE

Today's prayer is for those struggling with addictive behaviours or feeling trapped in behaviours you find difficult to control.

The FAITHCAFE: All Age Worship - You did it for me.

Contemporary worship for all with beautiful visuals & moving songs. A virtual choir from Tower Hamlets brings us 'You've got a friend,' rap artist Sam Smith sings his own composition 'Pray,' & 'How Great thou art' is sung, Acapella, to a backdrop of rugged hills. With clips, prayers, children's content & up-to-date message.

The FAITHCAFE Prayers for Recovery - Dying to the Ego Self

It's been said that the Twelve Step Programme is such a helpful therapeutic tool. We could all benefit from its spiritual message, not just those 'in recovery' from addictive substances or habits. Whatever else you may be recovering from - bereavement, illness or simply life itself - I hope you find these short prayers helpful and healing.

SCBA Update 18 November 2020

This week Clare has put together a reflection called ‘Looking Up’. 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 the link:

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

SCBA Regional Ministers’ Sermons

As we enter another period of lockdown, the RM Team wanted to remind our churches that you have access to pre-recorded sermons that the RMT have filmed, which can be used in church services across our Association.

Joth has put 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.

The latest advice for churches in the past week has applied to churches in Wales, but please do continue to check the BUGB website for updates.

Advent & Christmas Resources 2020
Like many churches, we have been wondering what is going to happen during Advent and Christmas this year.

What we do know is that our celebrations of Advent and Christmas will look a bit different to ‘normal’. Baptist Together have compiled some resources which may be helpful to you as you plan your services.

These can be found 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 services 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

The FAITHCAFE: Prayers for Recovery
Do not be Afraid

How are you today? One of Jesus' most repeated sayings in the gospels is 'Do not be afraid.' Here's a short prayer to encourage us in Lockdown, with uplifting songs of hope when you click onto the playlist at the end.

With kind regards, Stella.

The FAITHCAFE: All Age Worship - Light in Lock-down

Contemporary online worship & soul food for everyone, with uplifting music, dance & well-known songs and an up-to-date message from Andy Croft of Soul Survivor. Contains children's content.

The FAITHCAFE: PRAYERS for RECOVERY

Here is today's healing prayer... brought to you with flowers and a song.

The FAITHCAFE: PRAYERS for RECOVERY

Please click here to access your recovery prayers. As we are unable to meet at present, Angus has created a FAITHCAFE CHAT group on Facebook. Do have a look to connect with one another online.

SCBA Update 11 November 2020

This week Dave has put together a reflection called ‘The Power of Words’. 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 the link.

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

SCBA Annual Review for 2019

At Monday’s SCBA AGM & Leaders’ Day we published the SCBA Annual Review for 2019. This can now be viewed here.

The Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for 2019 can be viewed here.

SCBA Regional Ministers’ Sermons

As we enter another period of lockdown, the RM Team wanted to remind our churches that you have access to pre-recorded sermons that the RMT have filmed, which can be used in church services across our Association.

Joth has put 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 to reflect the National Lockdown restrictions in England from 5 November until 2 December 2020. click here

Children’s, youth and families ministry
Addition at the document’s beginning of lockdown restrictions in England. click here

Listening to God, Listening to Each Other

In autumn 2020, in a joint project with the Faith and Society Specialist Team, Baptists Together Mission Forum and The Fuelcast, Baptist Together are offering a series of films where people from all corners of the Baptist Family share how they have heard God speaking during 2020. These first films are longer reflections suitable for personal and group study and consider the following questions which you and your group may like to reflect on as well:

What is God saying to you about..

Who he is, and how we are being called to worship him
His mission, and how we are being invited to join in with what he’s doing in the world
His Church, and how we are being asked to reimagine our life together
His future for our Baptist movement – what visions, aspirations, dreams is he placing on your heart

For more information and to watch the reflections, please go to Listening to God.

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 services 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

The FAITHCAFE: All Age Worship - Hope in Grief

This week's online contemporary worship brings you a lovely song sung by UK children, as they pay respect to all in the armed forces who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom. Knowing that you all watch the service at different times, we have not attempted a 2 minute silence at 11 a.m. - but you can of course stop the video for two minutes yourselves if you wish.

We've also expanded the Armistice Sunday theme to honour all those we love who have died, and to explore what the New Testament says about hope in the midst of our grief.

As we're back in Lockdown again, we bring you an inspiring version of Psalm 23, echoed in other languages by those isolated at home because of Coronavirus.

With beautiful visuals and some well-known songs to comfort and lift you up... we hope you like them.

Have you looked at the FAITHCAFE Facebook page yet? Angus has created a chat room to keep us connected.... and we hope you feel supported by our online recovery prayers. Don't forget to like / share, & Press the SUBSCRIBE Button as this helps our algorithms.

The Faithcafe: Prayers for Recovery

To help us keep in touch in spite of the current restrictions, Angus has created a FAITHCAFE (Stella & the Gang!) Facebook page and a chat room - so do investigate this if you would like to connect with other viewers and make friends online.

Please click for your prayer for recovery, and don't forget our All Age service this week-end, on the topic of finding hope in the midst of grief.

The Faithcafe: Prayers for Recovery

Please note that owing to the new restrictions we cannot meet together for the time being. However Angus has been busy creating a Facebook page and chat room - so do investigate this and use it to connect with one another! Here is a prayer for recovery, inspired by our four-legged neighbours at the deer farm up the road...

SCBA Update 4 November 2020

This week Amy has put together a reflection called ‘Fear Not!’. 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 the link. Colin’s reflection from last week, ‘Rays of Darkness’ is now on the SCBA YouTube channel here and the Podcast can be found here.

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

Baptists Together Update

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

Following the Government’s announcement of a second lockdown in England with effect from 5th November, BU are awaiting the more detailed regulations for places of worship to be published. It is hoped these will be available by the end of the day on Thursday 5th November. Once BU have these they will publish more detailed guidance about who can enter the church building and for what purposes.

BU along with many other denominations have met with the Minister for Faith, Lord Greenhalgh twice in the last week to ensure the importance of faith communities remains recognised and understood by Government. Paul Goodliff, General Secretary of CTE has asked that action is taken now to ensure that churches are able to meet for worship through advent and at Christmas in the eventuality that the lock down is extended. The Minister will be raising this with the PMs office.

The initial guidance from the Government states:"

"Places of Worship will be closed, unless they are being used for:

- Funerals
- To broadcast acts of worship
- Individual prayer
- Formal childcare or where part of a school
- Essential voluntary and public services, such as blood donation or food banks
- Other exempted activities such as some support groups

It also allows Local Authorities, faith leaders and members of the Royal British Legion to organise outdoor Remembrance Sunday events at a public war memorial or cenotaph. Unless you have a public war memorial in your church grounds, or you are working with the Local Authority at a public memorial you should not hold a Remembrance Sunday event. You may however, broadcast an individual laying a wreath at a memorial within your church building as part of your online worship service on Sunday."

Hope Together: The Christmas Story

HOPE Together and Biblica have published this all-new Happyland Christmas Story booklet. The 20-page booklet uses the popular Happyland characters and Glen Scrivener’s nativity rhyme. There’s also the specially-made Happyland nativity animation to share on social media, in schools and in church service.

For more information, please click 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 services 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

The FAITHCAFE: All Age Worship & Prayers for Recovery

We trust you will find this week's videos "Hope from the Ashes" . "Prayers for Recovery" and "Dealing with Our Demons" helpful & inspirational.

SCBA Update 28 October 2020

This week Colin has put together a reflection called ‘Rays of Darkness’. We are pleased to offer this reflection as a blessing

SCBA Safeguarding Adviser Role

Southern Counties Baptist Association is seeking a part-time Safeguarding Adviser who will advise for SCBA on issues relating to safeguarding and the protection of children, young people and adults at risk. This person will work closely with the Regional Team to provide good quality safeguarding guidance and support to churches within the Association.
NB Closing date for applications is 30th October!

For more information, please go to http://www.scba.org.uk/opportunities-to-serve.html

Baptists Together Update

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

Changes to the guidance this week include:

Guidance on church worship:
Addition of Local Rules section at the beginning including ‘firebreaker’ restrictions in Wales. Addition of Annual Events section at the end including Remembrance and Christmas. click here

Property Issues
General Property Considerations Informal Hirings
Landlord and Tenant Issues
Guideline Leaflet L18

BU Council Report

Justice issues were at the heart of the first ever Baptist Union Council to take place solely using video conferencing technology. More than 80 participants gathered on Zoom across two days (21-22 October) for this autumn’s gathering, which was also the first Council to be signed in BSL. Council members approved six new measures relating to justice, as well as issuing a wider call.

Virtual church members’ meetings were among the other items on the agenda.

To read the full report, please click here.

BMS World Mission

BMS Action Teams – Online Open Days
BMS Actions Teams is a Christian gap year programme for 18-23 years olds providing the opportunity to serve God around the world. It consists of one month’s training, six months overseas, and a two-month UK mission tour.

If you know of people who’d potentially be interested in participating in this programme, then we’d love to see them (and their parents/carers) at one of our online Open Days happening on Saturday 28 November and Saturday 9 January 11 am – 12.30 pm.

These will be fun and engaging opportunities to hear more about the gap year programme and to explore if it’s something they would like to apply for.

More information about the online Open Days, including how to book, can be found here: BMS Action Team Open Days.

Sight Loss Friendly Church

Sight Loss Friendly Church (SLFC) is an exciting initiative from Torch Trust to help churches to become accessible for people with sight loss. They are providing as election of free 30-minute SLFC taster sessions on Zoom for churches to find out more about SLFC including the benefits of the free resource, meet the SLFC teams and ask any questions.

They currently have sessions planned for 17th November (2pm), 24th November (7pm), 26th November (2pm), 8th December (2pm) and 9th December (2pm). If you would like to find out more, please visit sightlossfriendlychurch.org.uk or to book a place email SLFC@torchtrust.org.uk .

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 services 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

The FAITHCAFE: All Age Worship & Prayers for Recovery

Contemporary online service led by Stella. With hymns, music, clips & prayers on the theme of carrying one another's burdens and spreading kindness in our communities. 1 Thess 2: 1-8. The Apostle Paul nurtured the early believers with tenderness and gentleness, 'as a nursemaid' or father of small children: With well-known tracks such as 'He ain't heavy, Brother let me be your Shelter, & a stunning live rendition of 'You raise me up' by Martin Hurkens. Something for everyone.

BREAKING NEWS!!! The FAITHCAFE will be meeting (physically!) at the URC, Upton Rd, Ryde at 12.30pm every third Sunday of the month at the Wessex Room. Join us at the launch on 15 November! Book your place now.

SCBA Update 20 October 2020

This week Joth has put together a reflection called ‘Two are Better than One. 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 the link. If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel

SCBA Safeguarding Adviser Role
Southern Counties Baptist Association is seeking a part-time Safeguarding Adviser who will advise for SCBA on issues relating to safeguarding and the protection of children, young people and adults at risk. This person will work closely with the Regional Team to provide good quality safeguarding guidance and support to churches within the Association.
For more information, please go to http://www.scba.org.uk/opportunities-to-serve.html

Baptists Together Update

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

There are significant updates on our worship and re-opening churches documents:

Guidance on re-opening Baptist church buildings

- Updated link on first page to new government page for checking local restrictions in England.
- Updated section in the Introduction on Risk Assessment to refer to Local COVID alert levels.
- Updated Section 3 to reflect updates to social distancing requirements in line with Local COVID alert levels.
- Updated Section 3 paragraphs on face coverings to reflect the fact that they are now compulsory in Wales in places of Worship with no exception for church staff/volunteers and to add clarity that face shields are not a substitute for a face covering.

Guidance on church worship

Inclusion throughout of specific restrictions relating to the different tiers of Covid-alert level; Inclusion in Funerals of provision for wakes of up to 15 people, clarification regarding services of thanksgiving, and suggestions regarding those self-isolating following a positive Covid test; Further suggestions of what to consider if meeting in a home for a small group.

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 services 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

The FAITHCAFE: All Age Worship & Prayers for Recovery

This week's online worship brings empathy & kindness to anyone hurting at the moment. With encouraging words from Dave Llewellyn and a mix of clips, prayers music and hymns for every age group... we hope you find it truly uplifting. Prayers of Recovery are included below for all those struggling from the effects of being human.

SCBA Update 13 October 2020

This week Dave Llewellyn has put together a reflection called ‘Hide and Seek’. 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 the link. If you have missed our previous YouTube videos you can catch up by visiting our channel .

SCBA Safeguarding Adviser Role

Southern Counties Baptist Association is seeking a part-time Safeguarding Adviser who will advise for SCBA on issues relating to safeguarding and the protection of children, young people and adults at risk. This person will work closely with the Regional Team to provide good quality safeguarding guidance and support to churches within the Association.

For more information, please go to http://www.scba.org.uk/opportunities-to-serve.html

Baptists Together Update

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

Two changes this week. First the opening churches document. Updated section 4 to make clearer the use of consent as the basis for collection of contact details and suggested mechanisms for meeting GDPR requirements.

Then the L18 Legal issues document. CIGA extension does not apply to postponed AGMs

Faith, Wellbeing and Mental Health

This section of our website has been designed to support church congregations. It is not a definitive list of all the resources available; if you know other useful ideas, websites or books that could be shared across Baptist churches, please let the Faith and Society Team know.

The page can be found at Faith, Wellbeing and Mental Health

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 services 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

The FAITHCAFE: ALL AGE WORSHIP

In today's worship we are considering the issues of the day, how do we take seriously the Bible's instruction to Rejoice Always?

Also included are three prayers for recovery :
1. At the end of your rope?
2. It's a long, long road...and
3. Lying down with God:

Remember to share with family and friends.

The FAITHCAFE: PRAYERS for RECOVERY

Whatever it is you're recovering from, the first step is admitting one's need for help: 'I cannot do this alone...' I hope you find this helpful.

SCBA Update 6 October 2020

Welcome to SCBA’s Covid-19 update This week Clare has put together a reflection called ‘Made in the Image of God’. 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 listen by clicking on the link

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

Baptists Together Update

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

Covid-19 Coronavirus Legal Issues
1 October update includes Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act extension does not apply to AGMs.

Guidance on re-opening Baptist church buildings
Updated section 3 to reflect the rule of 6 within social distancing guidance.

Updated section 4 with clarified guidance on use of QR codes for building check-in and collection of attendee details.

Updated section 5 to include the rule of 6 in social interaction guidance.

Updated section 5 to clarify approach to cleaning after a suspect case. Updated Appendix 2 to clarify that wording on cleaning checklist.

Updated Appendix 4 with revised Privacy Statement to reflect changed guidance from ICO on consent to collect data.

Guidance on church worship

Correction to Weddings to make clear that anyone working (minister, photographer, organist, premises manager, for example) is not included in the c ap of fifteen people;

Correction to What is Allowed to clarify the number of singers and the use of wind instruments.

Sam Sharpe Lecture

Monday 12th October 2020, 7pm. Organised and presented by the Sam Sharpe Partners, this year's Sam Sharpe lecture will be delivered by Bishop Wilton Powell, OBE - Former National Presiding Bishop of the Church of God of Prophecy, with Lecture Facilitator: Dr Dulcie McKenzie. To watch it live follow this link. You can find out more about Sam Sharpe by clicking on the picture.

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 services 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

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.

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 coronavirus 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

The blog has been trimmed to to make loading on phones easier. To See what has been trimmed off go to The first Blog History File. or The Second Blog History File.