Baptists Together

Many people today look for quick and simple answers. Yet beneath the surface of our busy lives lies a quieter reality: questions that have not gone away, disappointments that remain unresolved, and a longing for something deeper than what we have so far experienced. https://ow.ly/o3Ve51004Gm

What's NextUp for Baptists Together? Participants from the latest Baptist learning community for 18-35 yearolds gathered from across the UK to explore God's mission and His calling on their lives https://ow.ly/R7mx51004xR

Hospital chaplaincy - a reflection The care offered by the NHS staff; how ministry is conducted privately at the bedside and in side rooms - and why sometimes even a rejection is an encouragement. By Amanda Pink https://ow.ly/PXNK51004vh

We were delighted to hear about these the baptisms of Chloe and Andy at Catshill Baptist in Bromsgrove recently. Both spoke about how they had not grown up in the church, but interest in faith had been sparked by life events. You can hear their testimonies on the church's YouTube channel.

When life feels overwhelming: looking after ourselves and each other I’ve become increasingly convinced that looking after ourselves starts with honesty, kindness and small, manageable changes, writes Patrick Regan OBE, as embarks on an autumn tour of churches https://ow.ly/KQ7w51001qo

This week our prayer diary focuses on the South Eastern Baptist Association, seeking to be a community of God’s people who pray and work together to see an outpouring of God’s Spirit in South East England. Our weekly prayer diary can be found here: https://ow.ly/IjfQ50ZH0Gx

BAPTIST TIMES ROUND-UP for October Here are the TOP FOUR stories from this month and for a full list search 'Baptist Times Round up' on our website Sittingbourne Baptist Church marks 160 years Praise God for all these unsung heroes! Words for the Valley What's NextUp for Baptists Together?

Martyn's Law - your church may have additional responsibilities for protecting your congregation and visitors from acts of terrorism under new legislation The Baptist Insurance Company has produced some guidelines to help you. Search Martyn's Law on our website

Congratulations to Union Street Baptist Church, which has been recognised nationally for its work supporting local people! The church is a finalist in the National Church Awards, run by National Churches Trust To read more click the BAPTIST TIMES button on our linktree (Regional>North Western)

For the second day of our Enabling Group, we heard more about #ArtificialIntelligence from Rev Chris Goswami from the AI Christian Partnership ...and about 'their own traditions' from Hilary from @baptiststogether.bsky.social and Pastor Akpo from @rccg.bsky.social UK #ChurchesTogether

The ministers God calls us to form - By Lee Johnson We are approaching a significant shift in our ministerial landscape. Here is an introduction to a renewed vision for ministerial formation and leadership development across Baptists Together. Read more 👉 https://ow.ly/wnUJ50ZYPXv

"A great day, for which we are deeply grateful to God working among us" This week we're travelling to Yorkshire to share a baptism story. Blackley Baptist Church recently gathered to celebrate the baptisms of Joan, Jamie and Vish, led by jojnt ministers, the Revds Andy and Jo Williams.

This week our prayer diary highlights Baptist Union Council, which is meeting on Wednesday and Thursday. Please pray for the members of the Council as they look to set the broad strategic direction of our Union. For more information on Baptist Union Council, visit 👉 baptist.org.uk/council

Acceptance beyond the prison gates Emily Green introduces The Welcome Directory, a multi-faith charity that supports faith and belief communities across England and Wales to provide a safe and lasting welcome for people of faith leaving prison. Read more here https://ow.ly/GJQ350ZY5IN

In response to the fuel crisis, many churches from all faiths are opening their buildings to provide a warm space to people experiencing fuel poverty. Read the Baptist Insurance Company guidelines here: https://ow.ly/i78950ZYmR7

Declaring Christ To People – Discipling People To Christ Sittingbourne Baptist Church in Kent, whose memorial stone was laid by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, has celebrated its anniversary through a series of events with outreach at their heart Read here👉 https://ow.ly/hJtz50ZXVAo

We invite you to join in praying for those across the criminal justice system: victims of crime; offenders and those in custody; families of all affected; those administering care and justice in communities; those working in probation, prisons, police, courts; & chaplains https://ow.ly/IjfQ50ZH0Gx

What's NextUp for Baptists Together? Participants of 18-35-year-olds gathered from across the UK to explore God's mission and His calling on their lives. "This is a group that is hungry for genuine Jesus-shaped discipleship and won't settle for lukewarm faith" https://ow.ly/EvUQ50ZVh3E

Joint Public Issues Team are looking for a new Communications and Engagement Officer Could this be you? Can you support and encourage church members to take action on issues of justice and peace, and to engage well with politics? jpit.uk/work-for-us/join-the-team

This year's Sam Sharpe Lecturer is the Revd Merlyn Hyde Riley, General Secretary of the JBU. Her lecture is titled: Subverting Empire: Lessons from Sam Sharpe on Institutional Injustice and Church Responsibility 6.30pm, 27 Oct, House of Commons https://ow.ly/31mz50ZVvzR

A £4,000 Baptist Insurance Company grant has helped Arbury Road Baptist Church create warmer, more welcoming spaces for young teens, families and older residents. Read the full story here: https://ow.ly/WRFj50ZVhb3

New research acknowledges 'largely overlooked experiences and contributions of Black church members' A project helping Baptist churches in Birmingham explore the stories of their first Black church members, deacons and ministers has shared its findings https://ow.ly/FLGX50ZUPL6

This week, we highlight Black History Month, as this year marks its 39th anniversary BHM gives us a chance to celebrate contributions, teach a fuller history, promote inclusion, address inequality and inspire future generations CTBI have released some resources: https://ow.ly/1b0T50ZTYOg

Join us for CMD Live: AI, Ministry & Christian Leadership AI, personhood & disability Practical applications for ministry Asking better questions of AI Resources to take back to your church Multiple UK locations over October & November. baptist.org.uk/aitraining

Mission Forum has been listening carefully to feedback - has now published a substantially shorter and revised draft of the proposed Shared Understanding of Mission, alongside an accompanying document explaining the journey and the thinking behind it baptist.org.uk/missionresolution

Did you receive our Monthly Update in your inbox this week? One of our key focuses this month is that the presidential nominations are open. This will be for the 2028-29 year. Read about the key items, resources, events and news here 👉 https://ow.ly/EGfn50ZTwpi

Did you receive our Monthly Update in your inbox this week? One of our key focuses this month is that we are now inviting nominations for the person who will serve as Baptist Union President in 2028-29. If you missed it, you can read it here - baptist.org.uk/monthlyupdate

Giving Roots room to grow - Wymondham BC recently the Canopy - to house its popular Roots Café The church seeks to be a safe place , no matter what life has brought their way, and is very active in how it supports and connects people https://ow.ly/ONhL50ZT2cW

Let us pray Each month our national prayer diary encourages prayer for aspects of our life together, our ecumenical partners and certain themes across wider society. We'd be delighted if you could download the latest prayer diary and join us in prayer throughout October. https://ow.ly/bPXU50ZSEIg

We were delighted to hear about 2 baptisms at Greenfield BC in Llanelli. Testimonies of faith rekindled after drifting away. ‘My faith is as strong and sure as it’s always been. Now a real joy for me to return to this church I have always loved and to own my faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.'

Making Connections: A theological memoir by Paul Fiddes Review by Andy Goodliff I say it might be one of his most important books because it provides some context and story to the many books, articles, chapters and contributions Paul has made. Read Andy's review here👉 https://ow.ly/En3s50ZQSNo

Journeys into Baptist Ministry How did our ministers first discern God’s call? What happened next? What excites them about their ministry now? The Ministries Team is collecting stories from those called into Baptist leadership & we'd love to hear yours https://ow.ly/T4vt50ZQshU

The Yorkshire Baptist Association (YBA) is looking to appoint a new Regional Minister Team Leader. "We are seeking a strategic visionary leader to steer an outstanding team of skilled and experienced people to grow God’s Kingdom here in Yorkshire." More here: https://ow.ly/sGbU50ZQagh

Our latest prayer focus is the European Baptist Federation, whose Council meets this week in Durres, Albania. Please pray for safe travels for those attending, and for the work of the EBF throughout Europe and the Middle East. Our weekly prayer diary is here: https://ow.ly/5rQB50ZJpYQ

Have you heard of the Baptist Quarterly? For those unaware it’s the journal of the Baptist Historical Society. While it's clearly interested in understanding the past, 'it also wants to speak to the present.' Access the latest issue here: https://ow.ly/FvTg50ZP3Lr

BAPTIST TIMES ROUND-UP for SEPTEMBER Here are the TOP FOUR stories from this month and for a full list click the BAPTIST TIMES (news Round-up) Button in our LINKTREE👈

We See In You… By Lynn Green Lynn explains how our movement needs more women and men who are ready to respond to God’s call to be ministers and leaders - and this needs all of us to see and develop the gifts in others Read Lynn's article here: ow.ly/EzNp50ZOef5

Did you receive our Monthly Update in your inbox last week? Our key focus was the recent changes to requirements for DBS checks for volunteers. If you missed it, you can read about the one key item as well as all the resources, upcoming events and news by visiting www.baptist.org.uk/monthlyupdate

We're always so encouraged when you share your baptism stories. One recently came to us from Oadby Baptist Church in Leicester. "It was a wonderfully joyous service and a reminder that we worship a God of surprises!" Has your church recently celebrated a baptism? Please share: ow.ly/3usV50ZEoJb