Coronavirus Update 17 March 2020 Following the press conference by the government yesterday afternoon, the Baptist Union have updated their guidance for Baptist Churches. The guidance includes the following statement (you can read the full statement here) “Church services and activities: practical advice The advice is now that people should avoid meeting together wherever possible and this will have an impact on meeting on Sunday and at other times during the week. Sunday services should not now take place and the move to online meetings, wherever possible, will need to be developed.”   Staff within the specialist teams have said they will continue to update their website with practical advice throughout the day. Here is the link to the page. Staff based at Didcot are very few in number and they are doing their best to get information out that is helpful and as up to date as possible as …

“”Thrive is a nationwide initiative, which aims to encourage a variety of networking between ministers’ spouses from those who are training right through to those who are retired.  This networking will include different sorts of local and interest groups as well as events, and sharing via social media or email (for those who prefer it).  “Ministers’ spouses have many different occupations, careers and talents which we want to affirm and celebrate.  Being in contact with others in similar circumstances (i.e. married to a minister) allows us to be an inspiration and an encouragement to each other so that we can grow and flourish wherever God has put us.  “Our next biennial Conference will be held from 8th to 10th October 2021 at the King’s Park Conference Centre in Northampton. Booking details will be advertised in due course. Churches are encouraged to pay for their minister’s spouse to attend, as part of the support that they offer to their minster …

A beautiful endeavour? EBA recently hosted a day to enable church leaders to consider how they might enable a conversation in their church around issues relating to same sex relationships. The day (held four times across the EBA) was facilitated by Rev Steve Elmes, who has led his own church in having this conversation and written several books on the subject. The latest, A Beautiful Endeavour, is intended to be a resource for churches that are engaging in conversations on this sensitive subject and provided the focus for the second half of the day. The first part of the day was spent exploring some of the different cultural, scientific and biblical perspectives on same sex attraction and relationships. The day was intended to be a conversation starter and illustrate how a conversation could take place in local churches rather than being a teaching session on ‘what the Bible says about…’ …

Safeguarding training at Level 2 and Level 3 proves to be one of the Associations most popular events Confirmed dates for 2020. (if you are interested in hosting a training event then please get in touch) Level 2 and Level 3 8 February, Earls Hall Baptist Church, Southend on Sea 28 March, Burlington Baptist Church, Ipswich 28 March, Eastwood Baptist Church, Essex 2 May, Great Shelford Free Church, Cambs   Level 2 Courses only 3 March, Gamlingay Baptist Church 31 October, Clare Baptist Church     Places are limited for each course so early booking is suggested. Fees are £10 per person per level. Those attending a combined course and staying all day are required to bring their own lunch. Please book with Hayley at secretary@easternbaptist.org.uk