Recently a number of us met on Zoom to discuss the running of warm spaces across the EBA. We focused on what we were finding encouraging and what we could learn from each other. I was struck by the variety of of approaches being taken by churches. Each group using the resources at their disposal, but with the common ingredients being that they were providing a warm and welcoming space in which people could feel safe and find company and friendship. Refreshments and people being willing to listen were also talked about as essentials. Some churches were opening on multiple days, while others were open just once a week. I was encouraged to hear of a church that was suggesting that parents stay after their toddler groups and to keep warm before going on the school run. They were discouraged that this was all they could offer, but they had …
I am Because You Are: Baptists exploring equality and diversity One facet of contemporary life in the UK is the growing diversity of the people we meet in our ministry and mission contexts. Some aspects of human diversity like gender and disability are equally common in all settings. Some on the other hand are more strongly represented in some places than in others, such as ethnic diversity, differing economic circumstances, or the prevalence of migrants or refugees. Added to this is the growing awareness in society of the range of lived experience with respect to sexuality and gender identity, family and marriage, mental health, neurodivergence, and more. Accredited ministers are commended to the whole of Baptists Together to pastor churches or act as chaplains, pioneers, evangelists or children’s, youth and families’ workers. This means all ministers, regardless of their present setting, should be able to reflect on and respond to …
We have produced some video resources for Christmas If you had to describe Christmas using just three words, what would they be?: This sermon from Claire is ideal for use in services leading up to Christmas or even Christmas day itself. Permacrisis at Christmas is a series of 4 short videos (2-3 minutes each) exploring the nativity through the lens of permacrisis – this is explained in the introductory video. (The word permacrisis has been chosen as the Collins Dictionary’s word of 2022. The definition is ‘an extended period of instability and insecurity, esp one resulting from a series of catastrophic events’.) These videos were produced as a result of what people shared at our last EBA prayer meeting, so thankyou to those who took part. This link will take you to the YouTube playlist which contains all the videos. We are also in the process of recording a sermon …
57 West & Clarence Road Baptist Church Charity number 1192598 News from Southend! 57 West & Clarence Road are two member churches of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and have worked independently of each other for 5 years out of our city centre premises. Making the bold decision to open the dividing door between the two communities, we now work as one faith community seeking to reach out to others across the city. Church In October 2022 we joined together for interactive Sunday services, exploring our values under themes of storytelling, mission, worship, communion, baptism and more. A new community member has already expressed a desire to be baptised, so we’re planning for that alongside our advent themes which are both really exciting! Groups We continue to facilitate a number of groups including café sessions, art & wellbeing clubs, cooking courses and rough sleeper drop in. We hope to …
