March 2015

Image: London Institute for Contemporary Christianity

@scottishbaptist

BUS 2015

Fruitfulness on the Frontline

Forty five years ago my father-in-law moved from the Tent Hall
in Glasgow to the Dawson Mission in Carron, a mission hall
associated with the Carron Iron Foundry. The Mission Hall had been
established to facilitate outreach to the thousands of workers in
the foundry and the pastor of the mission fulfilled a chaplaincy
role within the factory. In a very real sense, the workforce and
their families were the mission field on which the mission focused.
Heavy industry changed, workforces in such numbers disappeared
and the associated chaplaincies and organisations dwindled
with them. However, today we are seeing a resurgence in the
opportunities given to chaplains in the workplace. Supermarkets,
football teams, town centres, call centres, even the off-shore oil
industry are seeking out people to serve as chaplains. During the
recent bin lorry tragedy in George Square, it was police, town centre and fire brigade chaplains that were
called on to support the public, the emergency service personnel and to speak to the media.
A new opportunity is presenting itself in our society to get alongside those who are struggling with the pace
and pressure of life and to offer spiritual care within a persons place of employment. Chaplains offer
pastoral care to those of faith, differing faiths and no faith, which presents challenges for their own faith and
invites a deep evaluation of their self understanding of the gospel.
Many Baptist Churches and ministers have been quick to respond to these new openings. In this edition of
connect we read something of Jack Quinns adventure and calling with Work Place Chaplaincy Scotland.
As chaplaincy grows in these new industries, more churches will have increased opportunity to engage in
their local workplaces, releasing ordained and locally recognised leaders with pastoral gifts to serve in paid

It is surely through the distinctive living of each believer, that

opportunity will arise to give an answer to everyone who asks you
to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15
and voluntary positions. It is encouraging to know that within our Union we have a group of pioneers in this
form of mission who will support and guide us through these developments.
This new opportunity also carries a danger that as a consequence of the professionalising of chaplaincy in
the work place, individual believers forget their own responsibility to be a witness. 1Peter
2:12 says Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing
wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Peter
goes on later in the chapter to apply this directly to how we behave in the workplace,
family and local community, the places we might call our frontline. Part of our faithful
witness as a Christian people is the living of a distinctly Christian lifestyle in every area of
life. To be a person of prayer for and with our colleagues and friends would be one way of
expressing our faith. Others can seek to use gifts of generosity, hospitality, encouragement,
compassion in our places of work and other frontlines. It is surely through the distinctive
living of each believer, supported and encouraged by their local church, that opportunity will arise to give
an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15
The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity has been encouraging thinking in this area for a number
of years and has created a variety of tools that have been used widely amongst our churches. If you want
to explore effective faithful witness in your frontline why not check out their latest
Published by
The Baptist Union of Scotland,
resource Fruitfulness on the frontline. http://www.licc.org.uk/
(Charity Registration SC004960)
Alan Donaldson

48 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH,

t: 0141 423 6169 f: 0141 424 1422
admin@scottishbaptist.org.uk
www.scottishbaptist.org.uk

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Build Your Kingdom Here

THE challenge for the church today is to
be as effective as it possibly can be in what
might appear to be an alien environment.
So says workplace chaplain, Rev Jack Quinn, a
former pastor of Adelaide Place Baptist Church for
almost 30 years and a founding member of Business
in Glasgow, a non-profit organisation exploring the
connections between work and spirituality.
Baptist Chaplain to the University of Strathclyde and
a former sessional lecturer at The Scottish Baptist
College, Jack, who began ministry as a Baptist
minister in Perth, has never doubted that the role he
Often the management are pleased that someones listening.
took up with Work Place Chaplaincy Scotland (WPCS) Church, has taken up a new role in the chaplaincy
just over a year and a half ago will be demanding. team at SOAR at Intu Braehead.
Together we cover a large area of commercial
However, its one he feels passionately about.
As West of Scotland Regional Organiser, his flock activity in the complex and have been able to make
has expanded to cover an area stretching from meaningful relationships with some of those who
Stranraer to Fort William. He and his 21-strong team serve the community in the retail industry. However,
of chaplains support workers in a wide-range of its a slow process.
locations including shopping centres, Scottish Fire & The most significant benefits usually come later as
the relationship progresses. Whether we are talking
Rescue stations, airports and engineers offices.
We are an independent Christian charity supported to the managing director, the junior, or the janitor,
that conversation
by
all
Scottish
Its the work of industry and commerce that puts bread is
entirely
churches, the CBI
on our tables and its important that people do that while confidential. We
and STUC and we
feeling valued and supported and encouraged.
can also assist
serve around 1500
people in business
business and local
authority outlets across the country, he explained. to enable staff, who might be having difficulties
WPCS is discovering that, with the right approach, at home, to reach their full potential. We see the
its possible to make connections within the business whole person and can often help them feel able to
world. Even those whove served in ministry for many keep working during challenging times. It is the work
years can find a role to play as chaplain to a business of industry and commerce that puts bread on our
or commercial enterprise. For example, Grant tables and its important that people do that while
Brooks, current Church Secretary for Castlehill Baptist feeling valued and supported and encouraged.
Chaplaincy is about being available and letting the
individual set the temperature
of the water before you
venture in. You have to win the
right to speak to them at any
level.
For more information on WPCS
please visit their website:

www.wpcscotland.co.uk

Many of the Braehead staff have got to know Jack very well

Rosemary Dewar

BUS 2015

Life on the Frontline

We asked a few people from Adelaide Place,

Glasgow, to tell us of their commitment to faith on
the frontline. This is what they said:

Shona Galbraith
Sexual Health Nurse
Shona is married with
three children and has
been in nursing for over
20 years. She says the
challenging
specialism
of sexual health nursing is
one that presents many
opportunities
to
help
hurting people.

Its seen by some as

a no-go area for the
church. But people
are looking for love
and I feel deeply that
giving support in a nonjudgemental way is an
appropriate expression
of my faith.

John Adams
Government IT Manager
John,
married
to
Jacqueline, is a native
of
Northern
Ireland
and travels the world
for the Department
for
International
Development. He is
very passionate about
being able to make a
difference in the world.

Its really challenging.

Im conscious about
not coming across
too negatively as a
Christian. But Im glad
to be in role that helps
fights global poverty.

Rowan McDowell
Child Pratictioner
Rowan is engaged to artist, Sam,
and is planning a July wedding.
Shes been working for nearly
4 years. At a young age God
gave her the gift of being able
to understand and enjoy being with kids. Since then
shes always wanted to work with children.

I am open about my faith and staff ask freely

about what I believe. I can also share my faith
during Christian festivals. .

Rory Martin

@scottishbaptist

Sports Day Volunteers

Sports Day is always a massive success and relies

on an army of highly valued volunteers to make it
happen. Usually, with only a few days to go, were
still wondering whether or not there will be enough!
So this year we wanted to highlight some of the
roles that we need people to fill. Some require a
knowledge of sports, others dont. While we award
points for the young people, this year we also want
to start offering a limited number of points for
churches providing volunteers as a way of saying
thank you for the service they are providing for Sports
Day. In this Connect, and in the next, well profile a
few roles. If these are things you, or someone in your
church, may be able to help us with then please get
in touch with Jenny (jenny@scottishbaptist.org.uk)
and shell be able to give you more info.

Swimming:
Timers need to watch a lane, sometimes two, with a
stopwatch and time the race. When the race starts
you start the stopwatch, when it finishes you stop it
- its really that simple! Timers alsocheck the correct
name of the swimmer before the race, mark the time
at the end, and pass time sheets to the Coordinator.
Volunteers are led by the Swimming Coordinator.

Netball:
Netball umpires need a knowledge of the game
rules and to be available for most of the
day (11:30am-4:00pm). There are usually
two umpires per game where possible. At
the end of games scores are passed to the
Netball Coordinator. Umpires are led by the Netball
Coordinator who is also able to help in any disputes,
and should be willing to pray with teams before the
game starts.

10 and Under Races:

Volunteering at this event is similar to
helping at a school sports day as the races
are pretty much the same. Volunteers
help put out props for races, help manage
the children competing and stand at the finish line to
help work out winners. This team is led by the 10 and
Under Coordinator.
Mo Gibbs

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March Prayer Link

Sunday 1st
Leslie Edge (Chaplain, The Prince & Princess of
Wales Hospice, Glasgow) - Pray I will continue
to appropriately meet the spiritual and religious
needs of the patients, patients families, 140 staff
and 650 volunteers in the Hospice and surrounding
community. Give thanks for peoples generosity,
as we have raised 13.5 million of the required
21 million for the new Hospice to be built in
Bellahouston Park.
Burra Isle, Shetland - Give thanks to God for our
Soccer School 2014 (our 5th year)! 14 coaches
from various mainland churches helped us out with
teaching football skills and leading Bible sessions
with discussion groups. Almost 80 children enrolled
from all over Shetland. Please pray for family
contacts that were made and for Soccer School
2015.
Calderwood, East Kilbride - When BUS recently
asked us what have been our greatest
encouragements and challenges this past year, we
had one answer: God is moving and we are trying
to keep up! Pray for us as God moves that we will
rejoice in his blessing and favour and sacrificially
commit ourselves to his work in our community.
Cambuslang - Give thanks for the 30+ p1-p7
children who attend the Arkonauts group. Pray
that some may join us on a Sunday. Thank God for
the generosity of our members and adherents for
their offerings that help us to maintain our large, old
place of worship. Ask for Gods guidance as we
plan some improvements to the building.

Sunday 8th
Ron Flett (City Centre Chaplain, Aberdeen) - The
Chaplaincy is growing! Contacts in the shops on
Union Street are slowly strengthening and I am a
recognised face at Aberdeen City Council. I also
try to regularly visit the local fire stations and have
extended this work to include Bon Accord Care.
Pray that I manage to find balance in supporting
the people I meet.

@scottishbaptist
Campbeltown Community Church - Give thanks
to God for the success of our Get in The Picture
initiative, last Christmas, and for our first leaders
day. Pray for our parent and toddler ministry as we
transition to the Mainly Music format. Pray also for
grace, love, vision and forgiveness to triumph as
local churches explore working together.

Sunday 15th
Carluke - Give thanks for new opportunities in
local schools, in Health and Social Services, and for
those soon to be baptised in March 2015. Pray for
our new Smart Recovery Group, for Amies schools
work and for Archie, our new Project Manager at
the Centre of Hope. Also pray that we would grow
in love for God, his people and our community.
Carnoustie - Weve had an exciting month of
baptisms and welcoming new members. As we
celebrate our 4th birthday, praise God for his hand
at work in our church. Pray that we would grow
in faith and love as we take the gospel into our
community in this coming season.
Castlehill, Bearsden- We are enjoying talking and
praying through our churchs Core Values. Pray
that God will lead us and shape us as we consider
what motivates us. Give thanks for new faces on
Sunday mornings and pray that they will know faith
in Christ. Pray for our 4th, and very popular, Fun Day
that God would do amazing things!

Sunday 22nd
Cliff Jackson (Lead Chaplain, Auchenlochan) - We
are delighted to welcome Rev. George Hunter
as Chaplain to one of our three care homes
and to a number of independent and assisted
living residents. Two volunteers from Work Place
Chaplaincy Scotland have joined to help us.
Cathcart - Pray for the current development of a
ministry of small things - a fresh approach to how
we think about and practice pastoral care as a
congregation. Pray for wisdom for shared ministries
with other churches and emerging forms of ministry.
And pray for a welcoming heart in all that we do.

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Central, Edinburgh - Please pray with us for many
people to come to salvation this year across our
city. We have a number of different missional
communities seeking to love people and share
Jesus. Pray that our vision would increasingly and
unashamedly be of Jesus at the heart, and nothing
else.

Sunday 29th
Gordon Jones (Chaplain, Royal Alexandria
Hospital) - Please ask our Father to supply
healthcare chaplains with the deep compassion
and wisdom necessary to effectively comfort
and support. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will
transfigure chaplains into luminous, truly Christlike
good Samaritans.
City Gates, Edinburgh - At the end of February our
pastor, Keith Short, will leave and move to become
senior pastor at St Johns Evangelical Church in
Linlithgow. Please pray for Keith in this move and
that City Gates Baptist Church would know Gods
power and presence as we move into a new
chapter in the life of the church.
Cleland -We give thanks to God for the faithful
ministry we receive week by week from our visiting
speakers. Please pray for our Mothers & Toddlers
(Jelly Tots) Group who meet every Thursday where
we share Gods love with those who come along.
We would also value your prayers as we celebrate
80 years of witness in Cleland on 28/29 March.
Coastline Community Church - Continue to pray
that the Lord would bless our outreach, youth work,
community programmes and Sunday services. We
are really thankful for the growth, both numerically
and spiritually, we are experiencing and we pray
for the energy to keep up with it all.
Coatbridge - Thank God for new members, recent
child dedications and more recent baptism. Pray
for us as we explore how to be more effective
in engaging and building relationships in our
community, especially with those in new houses
close to the church. Thank God for the continued
chaplaincy in Coatbridge High School and the new
initiatives being considered there.

Pray too for ...

Alan Donaldson - Pray for safe and comfortable
journeys with worthwhile outcomes as I travel
to Colonsay (local church), Birmingham (BMS
Council of Reference), Swanick ( BUGB Council)
and Pitlochry (BUS Council). I will be preaching
in Adelaide Place, Bathgate and St Ninians and
joining the Ministers Day of Prayer. Vital to the future
of BUS is the imminent appointment of both the
Mission and the Ministry Development Coordinators.
Mo Gibbs - Im extra busy and pregnant so need
extra time and energy! Also pray for young people
applying for Step Out as the application deadline is
this month and give thanks for the great testimonies
found in the applications. Praise God for His work
in the hearts and lives of young people. Pray for
wisdom for in organising teams and planning the
Sports Day.
Jacqueline Primrose - March is a very full month
with both the BUGB and BUS Councils, interviews
for Ministry and Mission Development Coordinators
and the usual duties. Pray for discernment during
the appointment processes and at Council. Also
pray that we will know Gods strength and filling in
serving Him and our churches, that we will hear Him
and experience His presence.
John Greenshields - March starts with our annual
Chaplains Conference Day for the growing
number of our ministers now serving in varied
chaplaincy settings - NHS, Hospice, the Armed
Forces, School, Prison and Workplace Chaplaincy.
The Next Stage of Ministry Conference takes place
in Pitlochry. We anticipate having around 30
ministers between these two conferences. Pray for
all attending and helping to lead.
Jim Purves - Give thanks to God for what I have
witnessed to be many healthy, developing
churches within our Union. As our nation
experiences many challenges, thank God for
increasing community involvement and faithful
adherence to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray
for Gods blessing on those in congregational
leadership and for Spirit-filled wisdom and insight for
effective mission.