http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/ en john.dray@sightgroup.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-14T14:56:27+00:00 http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/the_end_of_the_beginning/ http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/the_end_of_the_beginning/#When:14:56:27Z The Church Hall has now been completely rewired and all the fittings replaced.This is the last stage in a process of renewal that has included the complete refurbishment of the Manse, the renovation of the Church Heating system and the replacement of the Hall heating. Something in the region of £20,000 has been expended… quite an achievement for a small church: following earlier work to refurbish the Office and replace the Hall windows… another £40,000. The Church does not intend to rest content, however: already thought is being given to the possibility of refurbishing the Church vestibule, a false ceiling in the Hall: and a number of lesser projects. 2012-05-14T14:56:27+00:00 http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/professional_recognition/ http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/professional_recognition/#When:14:52:15Z Stephen received news on the 30th April that he has successfully completed a course of studies for a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree.A DMin is probably the most prestigious professional award for those in Christian ministry. It involved Stephen in a number of modules that required reflection on the basis for Christian ministry, the nature and practice of preaching and teaching and the principles and conduct of pastoral counselling. His 50,000 word thesis examined the pastoral relevance of the prophets Jonah and Nahum to believers suffering from (political) oppression. 2012-05-08T14:52:15+00:00 http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/effective_apologetics/ http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/effective_apologetics/#When:14:44:20Z Focus, the small media charity of which Stephen is a trustee, is planning some exciting new projects.Hard on the back of such programmes as God: The New Evidence two projects are in hand to look at the evidence for the resurrection and the witness of the early church. David Couchman, the director, has assemble a world-wide group of the foremost scholars to assist him. Meanwhile, there are regular ‘hits’ on Focus’ web-page for the podcasts in which Stephen appears discussing the Da Vinci Code. For more information, follow the link….. 2012-05-08T14:44:20+00:00 http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/jubilee_celebrations/ http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/jubilee_celebrations/#When:14:55:46Z Plans are well advanced for a Jubilee Part in Cluny Square.Promoted by Rose Ariss (manageress at the Café@theSquare), Lynn Barnes and others, with support from all the various community groups and representatives, a celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee will take place in Cluny Square on the 5th June from 1pm. Ferndale Baptist Church is delighted to discover the Café as the hub of such planning and activities! 2012-05-06T14:55:46+00:00 http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/congratulations/ http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/congratulations/#When:14:53:55Z In the early hours of the 4th of May, Brian Ayling was elected the new Ward Councillor.Ferndale welcomes Brian ‘on board’: we have always appreciated the close links with our Councillors, including the outgoing, Peter Ashley. Peter has recently suffered a heart attack so our thoughts and prayers… as well as thanks… are with him. Brian joins Paul van Looey and Sally Carr as our Councillors. Congratulations are also in order for Sally who will be elected Mayor on the 10th May… Stephen is grateful for the opportunity to attend the election in the Civic Centre. 2012-05-04T14:53:55+00:00 http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/meadowlark_celebration/ http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/meadowlark_celebration/#When:14:50:51Z Derek Playford celebrated his birthday in style again this year.Derek, a member of the Gold Club, gathered Anglican, Orthodox and Catholic friends, together with those he knows from Ferndale, for an ecumenical celebration! A superb meal and enjoyable fellowship was lavishly provided by Derek…. And a special collection taken for his young friend, Ben, from St. Helen’s, who is in regular need of expensive treatment. Thank you, Derek…. And another blessed year! 2012-04-24T14:50:51+00:00 http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/parish_mission/ http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/parish_mission/#When:14:48:12Z A parish-wide mission is being planned for the second week in June. Initiated by parish priest, James McCluskey, Ferndale Baptist Church will be a full partner to the event. A number of meetings will take place at Ferndale and a daily ‘Hot Potato’ apologetic event take place in the Café. Stephen comments, ‘We are delighted to join together in this event designed to make Jesus known in what is, at the very least, the first time such an evangelistic event has taken place within living memory.’  2012-04-23T14:48:12+00:00 http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/the_mission_of_the_church/ http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/the_mission_of_the_church/#When:14:47:24Z The Evangelical – Orthodox consultation met again in Oxford on the 19th April and Stephen was, once again, able to be present.Mark Oxbrow, formerly of CMS, gave an excellent paper on Mission: the fruit of both his evangelical convictions and his extensive engagement with Orthodox believers. The resulting discussion was lively, informative, eirenical… and, as ever, the hospitality lavish! 2012-04-21T14:47:24+00:00 http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/christ_is_risen/ http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/christ_is_risen/#When:14:43:48Z Ferndale celebrated Easter in typical fashion this year. On Friday, Jon led a processing bearing the cross from the Church to the Café where a short memorial to the death of the Saviour took place. On Sunday morning a few intrepid members met on Thorpe Bay beach to welcome the new day and to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Later that morning the rest of the congregation gathered to hear Stephen preach from Revelation 4. Stephen is currently preaching through the book of Revelations and podcasts of his first messages should soon be available. 2012-04-09T14:43:48+00:00 http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/samuel_arrives/ http://ferndalechurches.org.uk/news/story/samuel_arrives/#When:14:38:36Z The members of the Ferndale congregation joined together with the Diji family in celebrating the birth of Samuel. Samuel, who weighed in at 7lb 14oz and was born on 13th March, was an answer to many prayers after Melanie’s difficult pregnancy… so the service came to a temporary full stop when Samuel was first brought to Church and was surrounded by happy and grateful admirers.  2012-03-26T14:38:36+00:00