In normal times, the annual assembly of UK Baptist Churches, organised by the Baptist Union and BMS World Mission, takes place over a long weekend in May or early June at a different venue each year. MBC usually sends its minister and/or official delegates.
In these Covid times, this year’s “Assembly” will be an online affair open to all both as individuals and churches. This gives all of us the opportunity, from our sofas, to share in the national activities of Baptist Churches and to worship and celebrate with fellow Christians from around the country.
The keynote speaker will be Shane Claiborne – an American evangelical speaker, activist and author. The Theme is:
“Heal our Hearts; Heal our Streets; Heal our World”
For a preview go to www.baptistassembly.org.uk
The Programme Outline is:
- Thurs May 13th 7 – 7.45pm – In Memoriam – those we have lost.
- Fri May 14th 7 – 9.30pm – Worship with address by Shane Claiborne
- Saturday 15th May – 30am Baptist Union AGM
- 11am Bible Study “Dwelling in the Word”
- 12 noon BMS presentation – celebrating transforming 1 million lives and unveiling the new strategy for mission.
- 2 – 4.30pm Choice of Seminars on:
- ‘We can’t breathe until you can’ (racial justice)
- ‘Children, Young People and Families -building back better’
- ‘Walking with Jesus through a Changing Climate’
- ‘Mission Threads’
- 5 – 6pm Shane Claiborne Q & A
Sunday May 16th 10.30am – 11.40 am Sunday Service for All
With Shane Claiborne as speaker. This is a chance to share in National Worship. We are all encouraged to join in this service – usually the high spot of the Assembly
Anyone is free to join any part of this programme via the www.baptist.org.uk website.
OR you can register beforehand to be sent emails with joining instructions. Registration also enables you to choose the seminars you want to attend live. (Note – all will be recorded and available later). Register via the website.
As we seek to build MBC “back better” we pray this Assembly may be a great encouragement, challenge and inspiration to us as individuals and as a church.
Roger Robson