29 Jun 2023, 11:03Charlene Brown
NEC Day of Fellowship
Bethel Convention Centre was teaming with Adventists on 17th June as people from across the UK came for the NEC Day of Fellowship. Before the first service began, old and new friends were fellowshipping in the hallway, thanks to the later-than-usual start. One individual noted, "I am looking for the Holy Spirit to have His way."
Pastor Emanuel Bran welcomed the congregation with hopes of the Day of Fellowship bringing "unity, celebration and progress. A time to forge new connections, inspire one another and invite and create a spirit of togetherness." This was felt as the praise team led in worship as all commanded their hands to praise the Lord.
Fostering unity continued with a panel discussion in the Casting the Vision service. Understanding the challenges facing our local churches and the role of our lay members is important to church growth. Pastor Daniel Ebenezer (Personal Ministries and Evangelism Director), with the help of Elder Craig Gooden (PEACE Centre of Evangelism Director), shared data collected from churches across the North England Conference. It provided an interesting and deeper understanding of what is needed to mentor and coach our members, so they're equipped and empowered to drive the gospel forward. One thing is certain, being united and working collaboratively is vitally important.
Before the service ended, the new Global Mission Pioneers – most of whom are Newbold College of Higher Education graduates – were presented to the congregation. Additionally, the Lay Evangelist Training Course students – members who will be trained as coaches, evangelists and missionaries – were introduced. Working together, their role includes church planting and helping established churches become more evangelistically minded. Pastors Michael Simpson and Adam Ramdin prayed for the group and advertised an upcoming training resource, The DIY Guide to Evangelism. To watch the series, click here.
We were introduced to a new app being rolled out across the British Union, 7Me. It allows members to view a calendar of upcoming events, read news articles, manage their membership information, obtain bible study resources and return their tithes and offerings. The praise team then led in worship whilst a special offering to support the lay evangelism training course was collected using electronic payment systems. For more information, click here.
One beautiful aspect of the day was the music. It was a blessing to witness various groups from across the north of England sharing their God-given gifts. In particular, Naomi Parchment and the community choir led by Adrian Carradice-David reminded us of the faithfulness of God.
Pastor Henry Wright began his sermon by declaring, "You put me in a pulpit, and I will preach!" and he surely did. In his opening remarks, he said that "the thrust of the gospel is Jesus." Pastor Wright's sermon illustrated that we have power and wisdom that the world has not known, which is why we must go forward. He showed from scripture how God could use any of us, even when we have doubts and struggles.
As the angels sing in worship, so we continued in the evening with a concert. It was not for mere entertainment but instead included songs with words of encouragement that left the congregation with their minds focused on heaven.
The Day of Fellowship was uniting, celebratory and well-received by our members. The messages were relevant to our Christian lives, and a space was provided for individuals to commit or recommit their lives to Jesus. What an honour it was to see the moving of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of young and old.
A huge thank you to Pastor Daniel Ebenezer, Orlene Dunkley and the Personal Ministries team for their ministry. Let us tell somebody how good God is!
Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAKdcb
Bethel Convention Centre was teaming with Adventists on 17th June as people from across the UK came for the NEC Day of Fellowship. Before the first service began, old and new friends were fellowshipping in the hallway, thanks to the later-than-usual start. One individual noted, "I am looking for the Holy Spirit to have His way."
Pastor Emanuel Bran welcomed the congregation with hopes of the Day of Fellowship bringing "unity, celebration and progress. A time to forge new connections, inspire one another and invite and create a spirit of togetherness." This was felt as the praise team led in worship as all commanded their hands to praise the Lord.
Fostering unity continued with a panel discussion in the Casting the Vision service. Understanding the challenges facing our local churches and the role of our lay members is important to church growth. Pastor Daniel Ebenezer (Personal Ministries and Evangelism Director), with the help of Elder Craig Gooden (PEACE Centre of Evangelism Director), shared data collected from churches across the North England Conference. It provided an interesting and deeper understanding of what is needed to mentor and coach our members, so they're equipped and empowered to drive the gospel forward. One thing is certain, being united and working collaboratively is vitally important.
Before the service ended, the new Global Mission Pioneers – most of whom are Newbold College of Higher Education graduates – were presented to the congregation. Additionally, the Lay Evangelist Training Course students – members who will be trained as coaches, evangelists and missionaries – were introduced. Working together, their role includes church planting and helping established churches become more evangelistically minded. Pastors Michael Simpson and Adam Ramdin prayed for the group and advertised an upcoming training resource, The DIY Guide to Evangelism. To watch the series, click here.
We were introduced to a new app being rolled out across the British Union, 7Me. It allows members to view a calendar of upcoming events, read news articles, manage their membership information, obtain bible study resources and return their tithes and offerings. The praise team then led in worship whilst a special offering to support the lay evangelism training course was collected using electronic payment systems. For more information, click here.
One beautiful aspect of the day was the music. It was a blessing to witness various groups from across the north of England sharing their God-given gifts. In particular, Naomi Parchment and the community choir led by Adrian Carradice-David reminded us of the faithfulness of God.
Pastor Henry Wright began his sermon by declaring, "You put me in a pulpit, and I will preach!" and he surely did. In his opening remarks, he said that "the thrust of the gospel is Jesus." Pastor Wright's sermon illustrated that we have power and wisdom that the world has not known, which is why we must go forward. He showed from scripture how God could use any of us, even when we have doubts and struggles.
As the angels sing in worship, so we continued in the evening with a concert. It was not for mere entertainment but instead included songs with words of encouragement that left the congregation with their minds focused on heaven.
The Day of Fellowship was uniting, celebratory and well-received by our members. The messages were relevant to our Christian lives, and a space was provided for individuals to commit or recommit their lives to Jesus. What an honour it was to see the moving of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of young and old.
A huge thank you to Pastor Daniel Ebenezer, Orlene Dunkley and the Personal Ministries team for their ministry. Let us tell somebody how good God is!
Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAKdcb
