Monday 3 November 2008

Pray 4 Bromley

Saturday 8 November, 7.00 to 9.00pm at Bromley Civic Centre - an evening of united worship and prayer.

We attended this last year and hope to go again this Saturday - hope to see some of you there!

Robin and Lorna

Sunday 2 November 2008

Good news indeed...

ALGERIA: CHRISTIANS ACQUITTED IN BLASPHEMY CASE

Verdict suggests Algerian government could be softening crackdown on Christians.

ISTANBUL, October 29 (Compass Direct News) – A court in northwestern Algeria today acquitted three Christians charged with blaspheming Islam and threatening a member of their congregation who re-converted to Islam.

The acquittal was announced in a court at Ain El-Turck, 15 kilometers (nine miles) west of the coastal city of Oran. The defendants believe the judge’s decision to acquit was due to the spurious evidence used against them.

The acquittal also comes as part of a larger trend of the Algerian government bowing to negative international media attention and government condemnations of such cases, they said.

Defendant Youssef Ourahmane said that as a result, a recent government crackdown against evangelical Christians has eased off in recent months.

“We had noticed the last four or five months the government is trying to back down a little bit,” Ourahmane said. “I think the pressure on them has been strong, such as condemnations from the U.S. and foreign ministries from France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Spain. This pressure from outside has embarrassed the Algerian government very much.”

Read more here...

The Prayer Connection - transforming your circumstances


Thursday 30 October 2008

Trick or Treat?

For anyone who didn't receive this by email:

If, like me, you dread 31st October here are some suggestions:
• Borrow a Rottweiler for the evening
• Put up a sign – “We burn witches here!”
• Redirect the little darlings to the Manse for mass exorcism.
Seriously, though, you could consider turning the whole ghastly business into a positive experience out of which some good might come. Down at Wesley Owen I found rainbow-coloured erasers with messages printed on such as, “God is love” or “God keeps His promises” (45p), pencils stating “You are special” or “Jesus loves me”, with an accompanying text (25p), and various other bits and bobs with a Christian flavour. These little gifts (much better than sweets) could be wrapped up individually and put in a basket as a “lucky dip”. If that feels like one extravagance too many, you might buy a packet of envelopes, perhaps decorate them with stickers to make them look irresistible and pop into each one a leaflet advertising the Dad’s Pop-in/Contact Messy Church event at the end of November.
If nothing else, they probably won’t bother you next October!
Brenda Crisp

Sunday 19 October 2008

Bromley Baptist Contact List October 2008

I've just sent out the email version of the Bromley Baptist Contact List for October 2008. This is a list of all the friends of Bromley Baptist and you need to be included in the list to receive a copy. If you didn't receive one but would like to, please email me. (Let me know too if you receive it but no longer want it). Hope that makes sense...

A print version should be following along shortly...

Wednesday 1 October 2008

Church Family Meeting

There is a Church Family Meeting this coming Sunday (5th October) straight after the morning service with lunch included.

Don't worry if you haven't signed up for lunch for now - there will be extra provided - should be enough for all.

During this meeting we will be looking at a proposal for interim arrangements for support of our youth work.

Please come and also pray for the meeting and discussions.

Monday 29 September 2008

Great facility

Simon told us yesterday that in future MP3 versions of Sunday sermons will be available on the website. This is a super idea. Thank you to all who have been and will be involved in this initiative. Nowadays we find that, if we come out to the morning service, we just don't make it to the afternoon or evening - to have the facility in our own home now to listen to the sermon (without having to bother about tapes - although we have been grateful for this ministry in the past) is such an added bonus. Thanks to everybody concerned. Why not hop over to the church's website and take a look?

Tuesday 23 September 2008

Hazel's card sale this Saturday

Just doing a bit of blog-hopping and was reminded when I arrived at Hazel's place that it's her card sale supporting the work of Tear Fund this coming Saturday 27 September.
Her cards are gorgeous and you can see a sneak preview here
Please do go along...

Monday 22 September 2008

A welcome surprise

I had an email from someone today wanting to get involved with the blog, which is just great. I'm looking forward to hearing their views, ideas, chatting with them, just about anything really.

If anyone else would like to do the same please get in touch here - the more the merrier...

Sunday 14 September 2008

One year on...

...missing Andrew Gosden is still a blank space in family’s heart...

Linda sent this link to an article in last Friday's Times.

Andrew still missing one year on

Andrew Gosden went missing a year ago today. A service is being held to mark the timing and leaflets are to be distributed in the hope that someone's memory will be jogged. Our prayers are with the family and for his safe return.

Monday 14 July 2008

CaféChurch in August


Tuesday 12 August at 7pm will be the next CaféChurch in Bromley at Costa Coffee, Market Square. The focus this month will be Fair Trade.

Sunday 1 June 2008

CafeChurch Network

CafeChurch Network is coming to Bromley!

Tuesday 10 June at 7pm sees the launch of CafeChurch Bromley in Costa Coffee, Market Square. We'll be taking the elements of a cafe church service that we're used to running here at Park Road, and presenting them inside Costa's.

This is a perfect opportunity to invite friends and family that might be just beginning to think about faith, or who need a way of connecting with God, his people and his church again.

The CafeChurch Network co-ordinates congregations that are working with Costa to provide a church on every high street, and here in Bromley we'll run once a month on the second Tuesday.

It will take a team to run it, and a good number of people have come forward, but if you could pray for CafeChurch, welcome people on the door, or host a discussion around a coffee table please sign up and speak to Jonathan.

Tuesday 27 May 2008

Half term week

It's half term this week (hence the lovely weather we're having!) so the usual weekday groups aren't meeting...

...except for Alternative Wednesday at 8pm in the church where Jonathan will be Introducing Biblical Meditation and Thursday Leisure Club which meets as normal.

If you are able to help on Thursday with crafts, clearing tables and equipment, please contact Sylvena. Thanks.

Drop-In at 4pm on Wednesday in the Bug Hut and PYP Movie Night at 8pm on Friday are also happening. Please contact Jonathan for more details.

Whatever you're doing have a great week

Sunday 11 May 2008

Alternative Wednesday invitation

This Wednesday is an 'alternative' week.

Michelle has been doing an overview of the Old Testament and it has been great. Not only has it been memorable which is all important but God has spoken to us through her. Do try and come to the next sessions if you can. Don't worry if you've missed some because she does a recap at the start. They are:

May 14 - Samuel to the Division of the Kingdom
June 11 - Prophets and Scattering to exile to Return

and don't forget on May 28 Jonathan will be looking at 'Understanding and Practising Biblical Meditation'

All are welcome at the church from 7.45pm for refreshments and an 8pm start. Hope to see you there...

Friday 9 May 2008

Anyone for a picnic?

I was interested to read the recent comments on this site about food. I missed the orginal discussion at the church meeting, but I'm all in favour of food and eating together! The lively gathering after the visit from the African children's choir recently was a good example.

You may have read that a church picnic is being planned at Manna House in June. I think it's a great idea, but why just stop at one? I was sharing a meal with some friends from church last night (!) and we agreed that it would be good to revive an old tradition of regular picnics on Sundays after church - weather permitting!

We used to meet at High Elms, but wonder whether this has become too crowded now and parking may be a problem. Has anyone got any ideas of a suitable venue? - Easy to get to, plenty of space for children to run around, plenty of parking, and access to toilets!

We're hoping to start on Sunday 25 May - everyone's welcome - so keep your eyes and ears open!

Family Fun Day

Saturday 10 May
2.00pm to 4.30pm
Something for all the family - Bouncy castle, face painting, false tattoos/nails, side shows, craft, lucky dip and refreshments
To raise money for Demelza House - a children's hospice in Kent.
Come along, bring your family and friends, it's a great afternoon out...

Wednesday 7 May 2008

Congratulations Brian!

At this year's Baptist Assembly in Blackpool, Brian Reed, Minister for Pastoral Care, was formally recognised as a Fully Accredited Minister. This follows a period of study, reflection and affirmation by the local church and the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

We're delighted to have been part of this milestone, and pray that God would continue to bless Brian's ministry amongst us.

In the above picture, you can See Brian receiving a welcoming handshake from Jonathan Edwards, the General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. In the envelope Jonathan's holding is Brian's certificate of ministerial recognition. Brian was also welcomed by John Weaver, this year's BU President and Alistair Brown, the General Director of BMS World Mission. It was a moving and affirming occasion, in front of a gathering of approximately 1800 people, and had been preceded by prayer and anointing with oil at Prism, the interactive and creative strand of the Baptist Assembly.

Thursday 1 May 2008

Food in Church

I just wanted to say that I was really pleased to hear Betty speak out at the recent church meeting. Despite discussion on what I really wanted to hear about being artificially constrained, I was glad to hear that some people were willing to speak up for themselves. I actually disagree with Betty's point on food in church, but totally and wholeheartedly support the sentiment behind it.

I agree that spending the church's (your and my) money on lavish entertainment is hardly what Mission is all about. However, Mission is about outreach. Whatever it takes to bring the unchurched into the building, to hear the word of God. If it takes Fellowship food to do that then I am all for it, even if those in the congregation could well afford to pay for it. We do not know this of everyone and should therefore not make assumptions. For instance, Alfa courses seem to be so much more productive when they include a meal. I have been to both kinds, so can speak from experience.

Monday 28 April 2008

There is Hope in Friendship

As part of Bromley Salvation Army's Mission Week, you are invited to a "Friendship Festival" on Thursday 1st May 2008 1.30pm - 2.30pm at the Salvation Army, Bromley, Ethelbert Road.
Light refreshments served from 12.30pm.
Speaker: Lt. Col. Glenys Heins
Soloists: Anthony Harris and Tristan Lancey

Wednesday 9 April 2008

Some dates for your diary

Here are some alternative Wednesday dates for your diary...

Michelle is doing an overview of the Old Testament on

April 23 - Creation to Entry to Egypt
April 30 - Slavery to Judges
May 14 - Samuel to the Division of the Kingdom
June 11 - Prophets and Scattering to exile to Return

and on May 28 Jonathan will be looking at 'Understanding and Practising Biblical Meditation'

All sounds really good - hope to see you there...

Thursday 3 April 2008

London Marathon

Steve Garvey will be running on Sunday 13th April and is raising money for Smile International's work in India. A sponsorship form is available in the Welcome Area.

Alternatively, you can sponsor directly through www.justgiving.co.uk and follow the links to Smile International.

Alternative Wednesday

This coming Wednesday 9 April Prayer there will be a discussion with Jonathan who will be joined by Cid Latty from the Café Church Network to share the vision for beginning a new congregation in a local coffee shop.

There will also be a opportunity to go prayer walking around the neighbourhood.

Church Family Meeting

The Church Family Meeting is on Sunday 20 April after the morning service.

Please could you sign up in the Welcome Area to let us know if you are coming so lunch can be provided. Alternatively drop me an email. Thanks.

Look forward to seeing you there

Friday 28 March 2008

Baptist Assembly, Blackpool

The annual gathering of our Baptist family is from Friday 2 May to Monday 5 May. This year it is enlivened by the fact that our own Brian Reed will be recognised as a fully accredited Baptist minister at the National Mission Evening. If you would like to go, it is not too late to book and the church would help to cover some of your costs if you go as our delegate. More information here and from Simon.

Monday 24 March 2008

festival of the nations

Sunday 27 April 4.45pm -9.00pm

Come along to a special afternoon and evening of music, teaching and feasting:

At Sunday Break The African Kidzsing choir from Johannesburg, South Africa will be singing and Simon will be preaching on Shoved by the Spirit from Acts 21:15-26.

After that we’ll be sharing food from around the world together and then at around 7.00pm we are hosting a concert with Gareth Davies-Jones who will be launching his new album Water & Light.

There’ll also be a fair-trade stall, including wonderful fruit juices from Colombia. More details will be posted in the bulletin nearer the time. Bring your friends to some or all of what promises to be an exciting and enriching evening.

Wednesday 19 March 2008

Six months on

March 14 marked six months since Andrew Gosden disappeared. Sport Relief 2008 are supporting the charity 'Missing People' and on YouTube there is a short video with Matt Dawson interviewing Kevin and Glenys, Andrew's parents.

Please watch it, share it, and continue to pray for Andrew and the whole family.

Passion reviews

I hope you've managed to catch BBC's The Passion. I know I've been riveted - the tension is palpable and I'm looking forward to the concluding episodes. They are on Good Friday at 9.00pm and Easter Sunday at 7.30pm. Of course we'd rather you came along with some friends to discuss the issues at the Easter Sunday services at 4.45pm and 7.00pm.

In case you haven't seen any of it, Episode 1 and Episode 2 are available for a few more days on BBC iPlayer and there's now lots of stuff on the BBC website including some interesting articles. Quite a few are written by Mark Goodacre, Associate Professor of New Testament in the Religion Department at Duke University and historical consultant for the series. He has helpfully done a round up of the reviews which you can read here on his blog.

Simon has also posted his views over on his blog. Feel free to let us know what you think here or better still see you Sunday.

Meanwhile a very happy Easter to you all...

Update on Algerian Christians Facing Sentencing

I recieved this update today from VOM...

In February, Middle East Concern (MEC) requested prayer from Christians around the world on behalf of Christians facing court hearings and awaiting official verdicts in Algeria (see www.persecution.net/news/algeria4.html).

On March 4, they requested prayer for three items. First, one Christian brother had a court hearing scheduled for Wednesday, March 5. The believer concerned had been told informally that he would be sentenced to one year in prison and fined. On March 6, MEC happily reported that he had been acquitted. According to MEC, two other items require your prayers. The written verdicts for three Christian men accused of insulting Islam was expected on February 12 but has still not been received. They have been told informally that they will be sentenced to prison and fined. Another brother has a hearing scheduled for April 2. Christians in Algeria ask that we continue to pray that our three brothers awaiting a written verdict will not be sentenced to jail and that the brother involved in the hearing on April 2 will be acquitted. Please pray that the media attention will have a positive impact on the church, drawing more people to respond to the love and truth of Jesus. Pray also that fellowships recently closed in Algeria will be allowed to reopen and that believers will find worship and fellowship with others. Pray that God will provide pastors for the groups of Christian migrant workers in the country. Finally, pray that Algerian officials will hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and respond to His love.Go to www.persecution.net/country/algeria.htm to learn more about the increasing pressure being put on Christians in Algeria.

Friday 14 March 2008

Thursday 13 March 2008

The Passion Schedule

Watch the series through the week, then come along and talk about it on Sunday evening. Here's the schedule...

Episode One Sunday 16 March 8.00pm - 9.00pm, BBC1
Episode Two Monday 17 March 8.30pm - 9.00pm, BBC1
Episode Three Friday 21 March 9.00pm - 10.00pm, BBC1
Episode Four Sunday 23 March time 7.30pm - 8.00pm, BBC1

Episodes 1-3 omnibus: Sunday 23 March, 2.15pm - 4.40pm, BBC1

More details about each episode can be found on the BBC website here.

Wednesday 12 March 2008

BBC's The Passion

We have been in talks with the BBC today! In response to an email asking permission to use images from BBC's The Passion, Tim Leith phoned and sent over some images for us to use to publicise the programme. Thank you if you read this Tim...

He also sent a link to some flickr images which you can see here.
Please do watch the series, details here in preparation for Easter Sunday and any conversations you might have with people.

Image copyright BBC

On a mission to help people on the streets

There's some good publicity for Street Pastors this week in the Newshopper, which focuses particularly on the Beckenham Team - there's an article which you can read here (or in the paper of course) and the lead letter is also on the same subject.

Tuesday 11 March 2008

Everyone welcome

image copyright BBC

will the real Jesus please stand up?
Following the BBC’s excellent and intriguing retelling of the events of the first Easter, come and talk about who Jesus is, what these events mean for us in 2008.
On Easter Sunday:
At 4:45pm there’ll be a presentation on the Jesus of the gospels wrapped in a service full of familiar Easter hymns.
At 7:00pm, we’ll be having an interactive forum on issues raised by the programme and the gospels – who is Jesus? Are the gospels true? What does it mean to follow him in 2008?

Come and join the conversation. Bring a friend.

Saturday 8 March 2008

The Passion schedule

In the run up to Easter the BBC is screening a 4-part series called The Passion. The first two programmes are due to run on Sunday 16 March from 8:00-9:00pm and on Monday 17 March from 8:30pm-9:00pm. The final two episodes will be screened on 22 and 23 March at times to be announced.

We’ll be focusing on issues raised in this series at two guest services on Easter Day. Invite your friends. There are now full details on the BBC website with information about the cast and interviews with the director and others involved in making the series.

Special invitation cards will be available next week so you can invite your friends and neighbours to our special services at 4:45pm and 7pm.

Tuesday 4 March 2008

Algeria

I receive a bi-monthly prayer alert from Release International which we are encouraged to share with our church and home groups etc. This time there is a request for prayer for Algeria and so I've posted it here.

Christians in Algeria report a concerted campaign to rein in the church as the government starts to use laws limiting evangelism.

At least seven house churches have been closed down in recent months. And several believers have been formally charged under legislation that has lain dormant for two years. Newspapers have published false claims that churches ‘pay’ their members for converts.
Within the last week, a source told RI that the authorities were not renewing residency visas for foreign church workers.

RI’s sources believe that the government is yielding to pressure from Muslim leaders to use laws which were adopted in March 2006 but never implemented. The laws forbid anyone from trying to ‘shake the faith of a Muslim’ and order non-Muslims to register all buildings used for worship. Penalties include heavy fines or up to five years in jail.

One of the first to be convicted under this law was a French pastor given a one-year suspended prison sentence in Oran in January. His crime: praying with Cameroonian immigrants at a private home not registered for worship. His co-defendant, a Muslim doctor, was sentenced to two years in jail for giving the immigrants medicine provided by a church.

Three Algerian Christians, awaiting sentence for ‘insulting Islam’, have been told to expect a three-year jail term. And at least two other Christians are due to stand trial over the next two months. Christians make up less than one per cent of Algeria’s population of 33 million.

• Ask God to strengthen the faith of Algerian Christians who are under pressure.
• Pray that charges against Christians tried in the coming months will be dropped.

Sources: Assist News Service; CBN News; China Aid; Christian Solidarity Worldwide; Christian Today; Compass Direct; International Christian Concern; International Crisis Group; Jubilee Campaign USA: The Voice of the Martyrs Canada.

Thanks

Sunday 2 March 2008

Andrew

I've been searching for some images for The Passion series from the BBC for the web and I keep coming across this picture of Andrew still missing. Please pray especially for Glenys, his mum, and the whole family on this Mother's Day. Thanks.

The Passion

In Holy Week the BBC is running a series called The Passion, dramatising the events of the first Easter. It starts Sunday 16th March 2008 on BBC1. We'll be focussing on issues raised in the series at two guest services on Easter Day. Invite your friends. There are now full details on the BBC website with information about the cast and interviews with the director and others involved in making the series.

Special invitation cards will be coming soon so you can invite your friends and neighbours to our special services at 4.45pm and 7pm.

Happy belated blogversary

I've just been reading Hazel's blog and it is a year old - congratulations on keeping up such an entertaining blog, Hazel. I've said it before here but it has a real community feel to it and even I feel I know some of the people who visit frequently and leave comments.

It made me realise that this blog must be about the same age and yes, it is around a year ago that this one got going...

Tuesday 26 February 2008

Another day at the office

I've just got back from the offices of Release International where I work as a volunteer on a Tuesday doing a bit of admin and whatever is needed.

For those of you who don't know, Release International, is an organisation which supports persecuted Christians and their families around the world and you can find out more here.

Today I sent a few emails, stuffed a few envelopes, opened the post and met Rose. Rose is the niece of Haik Hovsepian who was the leader of the Evangelical Christians of Iran. He was martyred for his faith in 1994 and in particular for speaking out about the wrongful imprisonment and death sentence of a zealous Christian convert, Mehdi Dibaj. Although Mehdi was released, Haik disappeared soon after and his body was found twelve days later. He had been stabbed to death. All this and more we saw on a DVD called 'A cry from Iran' which was produced by Haik's two sons to tell their father's story and that of other Christians in Iran still being martyred and persecuted for their faith. It was incredibly moving especially sitting next to Rose.

Find out more about the DVD here and please pray for them.

Sunday 24 February 2008

Catching up

I felt I couldn't let February slip by without even one post. I had intended to update this every week but you know how great good intentions are...

Anyway I'm taking the opportunity of sending you off elsewhere. That's the beauty of the internet so here goes.

We had a fantastic service this morning with Mat Wilson on this BMS Sunday. He challenged us all to get involved in a number of ways with the work of BMS World mission.

I also met Hope Somerville for the first time and if you haven't checked out Jonathan's blog there's a gorgeous picture of her there.

There's a concert this coming Saturday in aid of Hope UK at the church at 7.00pm.

I was also given a leaflet for Women's World Day of Prayer at St. Andrew's Church, Burnt Ash Lane in Bromley at 10.30am.

Our very own dear Hazel is holding another Card Sale in aid of Tearfund - pray her health holds up - and I know from experience you'll be guaranteed a warm welcome, as well as the opportunity to buy some fabulous cards, so please do support her on Saturday 8 March from 10am-12noon and 2-4pm.

Continue to pray too for Youssef and Hie-Tee and I've put here a link to CBN news report a while back which reports on the amazing growth of the church in Algeria.

That's all for now but I hope to be back before April!

Sunday 27 January 2008

a fresh look to Sunday evenings

Starting next week, Sunday 3 February, the evening services will be at 4.45pm and 7.00pm.

Details can be found in the weekly bulletin, on the website and over at Simon's blog...

Thursday 24 January 2008

covenant

As promised the 'covenant and membership document' and the 'declaration form' are now on the website.

Just follow the links: downloads>church documents from the home page.

Monday 21 January 2008

Church Family Meeting

While it's fresh in my mind, I thought I'd share a bit of what happened at the church meeting for those who couldn't make it on Sunday. Simon's already posted his thoughts here

It was really well attended with around 120 people staying to lunch and the meeting. Thanks to Gill, Caroline and the team for a fab lunch.

It was an AGM so Nick gave a membership report and there are now five new members which is great. In Bob's absence, Dave gave a summary of the annual finance report which was accepted. You can email Bob if you'd like a copy. There is also a new finance team in place headed by Iozeph who will be taking over from Bob - a huge thank you to him for all his amazing hard work.

The covenant was agreed by a majority and when I get the chance I'll post it here and on the website. If you can't wait then I know there are a few copies in the church office. This covenant will be signed annually at Pentecost but this year it will be at Easter. Please chat to any of the ministry team or leaders if you want to know more. Throughout February and March the process will be explained to those not at the meeting and it was made clear that no-one will be taken off the membership list if they are already members.

Also nine new leaders were co-opted all with specific areas of responsibilities.

Oh and while we're without a church administrator, I'll be taking on some of that role so please contact me if you need to and I'll do my best to point you in the right direction. It is hoped there will be an admin team along the same lines as the finance team so please if you're interested let me or one of the leaders know. Can't tell you how welcome you'd be made to feel...

And if that wasn't enough from February there'll be a new evening programme - watch this space for details.

Thanks very much to Glenis and her team for looking after the children who had a great time.

Minutes will be available in the church office in due course.

Wednesday 9 January 2008

Pray for Bromley

The first meeting of the New Year will be on Friday Jan 18th at Bromley Baptist. This is the start date of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The meeting is organised primarily for Central Bromley churches - but obviously open to anyone to attend.

Church Family Meeting

Just a reminder that there is to be a Church Family Meeting on Sunday 20 January after the morning service and following lunch.

Please sign up this Sunday on sheets in the Welcome Area if you are coming and need feeding...

Quiz and Pudding Night

Quiz and Pudding Night

Saturday 19th January in Bromley Baptist Church Hall

7.30 pm

Come as a team or make up one when you arrive
Donations in aid of getting Ben R-S to New Zealand
for his YWAM Discipleship Training School!
RSVP to Nick

Sunday 6 January 2008

Dick van Zweden

We were saddened to learn recently of the death of Dick van Zweden, aged 54.

Dick and Carla, from Holland, worshipped with us in the late 70s/early 80s while serving with Operation Mobilisation and were part of the Over 21s group. Dick was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy over 20 years ago and has gradually deteriorated. As well as Carla, he leaves four children, all in their teens and twenties.

We have been in touch with Carla to express our sympathy and also on behalf of Bromley Baptist Church. Please remember Carla and the family in your prayers.

Tuesday 1 January 2008

New year, new responsibilities

It is with a mixture of emotions that Robin and I face the new year as we take over responsibility for welcome care – we feel excited but we still have a lot to learn. Alan and Anne have done an excellent job for many years and are a hard act to follow.

We know that we are not doing it alone. It goes without saying that we do it with God’s help, but also with the support of the existing welcome care team.

However, welcoming isn’t restricted to the welcome care team. We would like everyone to see that they have a role to play in welcoming newcomers. It’s been said before that the hardest steps for a newcomer to make are from the forecourt gates to the church doors – that’s why we stand on the forecourt and greet visitors and have deacons and stewards on duty at the doors. But it doesn’t stop there. The welcome needs to continue inside and everyone can play a role here.

If you see someone sitting on their own, why not go and sit with them? If you don’t know the person sitting next to you, introduce yourself, find out about them, invite them to go through to the welcome area for coffee after the morning service, encourage them to fill in their details on the purple sheet, etc.

Many of us are members of Bromley Baptist because someone extended a welcome to us and visitors often say that they have been made to feel very welcome. Your saying hello to the stranger next to you could be the one thing that encourages them to come back. Conversely, some people have not returned because no one has spoken to them once they’ve entered the church building.

We hope that we can count on all of your support and would be pleased to hear if you have any ideas about how we can improve the way we do things.