Support Services Update - December 2024

Dear Friends

Thank you for taking the time to read our latest Monthly Update, and Merry Christmas from all at BUGB’s Support Services Team!

We appreciate this is a busy time for all our Churches, and a time of reflection, both on the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and on the events of the year, as it comes to an end. Early this year, our team lost 3 of our 4 managers within 6 weeks of each other. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team for coping with this significant change. There have been other changes too, and to this end, we are interviewing for a new Legal Services Manager just before Christmas. We would be very grateful if you could pray for this process. It's been an eventful year. I imagine Mary and Joseph felt they had had an eventful year when they reflected on the events that led to Jesus’ birth. 

Matthew 1: 18 - 24   “18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife."
Eventful might be an understatement. 

This Christmas, I hope people who know little or nothing of Jesus are drawn to our Baptist Churches and other Ministries. I hope the jaded will experience renewal. I hope food banks are blessed, and a blessing. I hope for Baptisms, dedications, and joy in 2025. 
Thank you for your prayers. We are praying for you too.

Our monthly updates aim to provide you with helpful support in your mission and ministry. Please do email us with any topics you would appreciate articles on. This month's update includes articles on:

Reminder on Church Update Annual Returns

• Information from the BU Legal Team
• Information from Utility Aid
• Support with Historic Buildings
• Latest Baptist Insurance news
• Funding for church building projects
• Stipends and Manse values
• Baptist Assembly future dates
• Pastoral Fund Grants

Chris Jones 
Support Services Team Leader

Click here to view the full December Support Services Update