" Roger Nunn has retired as Secretary of Bath Churches Together. He wrote in their newsletter: what have we achieved? A modest amount in the helping of the churches to work and worship together. The lack of a coherent vision of the way ahead for the unity of the churches at a wider level inevitably weakens the resolve at a local level. I remain as committed as ever to the view, which I believe is deeply rooted in the Bible, namely that there IS one church, and that it remains our duty to continue to pursue the shape in which this is to be expressed in the world. I thank his constant witness to this conviction here in Bath and welcome his successor, David Pendle.
" Share a meal is an invitation that comes from David Twine and me. David knows that university students from the USA who attend the ASE College in Pierrepoint Street and are involved in various parts of the Open House programme would like to meet us in our homes. This also goes for the students from East Asia who worship with us. Please speak to either to Dave or Pam Neville if you can 'share a meal'.
" Open the Book one of our most important acts of witness needs new members for the team. If you can offer an hour on a Wednesday in term time 10.00-11.00am to read a bible story at Widcombe Juniors please contact Dave.
" Youth Alpha started here in September. This being supported by youth leaders from churches across the city and will end its first course in December. More details from Dave.
" 'Harvest of Compassion', Jazz service 'Fanfare' and the visit of Ann Bothamley provide us with special opportunities for worship in October. I thank Michael and Naida Lee, Marion Robinson, Dave Twine and Pam Neville for helping in their preparation. If you would like to offer hospitality to Ann or a venue for an 'at home' where could meet her please contact Pam.
" The Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers hold their annual conference here on 15th October.
" It's amazing! The Open House is now in its 15th year and we thank God for the many signs of his kingdom that have come to light in this place. A simple programme of celebration is planned and the gift raised for Send a Cow will received at the morning service on 19 October.
" CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED is a series of short talks that I have prepared for Sunday mornings They are about what Christians believe and the way of life they offer to the world. Each talk with additional material will be placed on this church's website (www.manversstreetbaptistchurch.org) and sent to those who request it. A sample is published elsewhere in the Church News.
" The Bath Chronicle has asked me to become one of the contributors to Faith to Faith. I began its predecessor weekending years ago so it's fun to be asked back.
John