Weekly Prayer Focus

Dereham Baptist Church is well placed in the centre of the small town of Dereham about 15 miles west of Norwich. Nigel Bayley, their pastor of 9 years adds, “The Church has a heart to impact the town for Jesus, seeking to move out of our walls and help people to experience and know Jesus.” Dereham Baptist has 3 congregations, an English speaking one on Sunday, a Portuguese speaking one on Saturday evenings and a gathering for families in Toftwood that grew out of one of their two toddler groups. They also have small “Thrive” discipleship groups (3-5 people) and a few other small groups, including one for young adults and another for teenagers, which was launched after a group of youngsters returned from “Newday”…

Avenue Baptist Church is an active and thriving City Church in the centre of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, with all the needs, challenges, and joys of suburban life. God’s faithfulness is ever present and was particularly evidenced in 2016 when all monies were raised for completion of a large-scale sanctuary refurbishment. On 8th June this year they joyfully celebrated their 150th anniversary of service to their God where their minister Jane Guest sensed the underlying theme of ‘Celebrating God’s Faithfulness’ through the years. On the anniversary itself Jonathan Edwards, former General Secretary of BUGB, spoke inspiringly on the importance of encouraging others, ‘to put courage into people.’  They were also pleased to welcome Claire Blatchford, Regional Minister and local Councillors, MP’s and the former Mayor of Southend…

People experience life-changing events every day within the NHS. Across the EBA, Baptist chaplains serve in a number of hospitals, providing pastoral, spiritual and religious care to patients, visitors and staff of all faiths and none. While chaplaincy is not a statutory NHS requirement, most hospitals provide chaplaincy services. Chaplains offer compassionate, person-centred support, listening to people’s stories, respecting their beliefs and helping them find meaning during difficult times. They may also conduct or facilitate religious rituals and acts of remembrance or celebration. Chaplains play a vital role in responding to crises and supporting people through traumatic experiences such as pregnancy loss, sudden death, mental health crises, life-limiting diagnoses and end-of-life care. They also support NHS staff, students and volunteers, contributing to wellbeing and resilience….

Elm Park Baptist Church sits right on the boundary line between Romford and Dagenham, in Essex.  Celebrating its 90th anniversary next year, the fellowship today comprises people of all ages and backgrounds, very different from the original, predominantly middle-class church established in the garden suburb of Elm Park Garden City.  Between 35 and 40 people worship together on a Sunday morning.  Though they lack musicians, they join in sung worship using online music videos and feel blessed by the ministry of two local preachers and one of its deacons. The church finds itself in a place of ‘taking stock’ following a period of mourning and transition.  Its once strong uniform organisations never reopened after the COVID pandemic.  They are also without a minister following the…