November/December 2017

ORPINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH“

OBC

utfjard looking

ible based

ontemporary & releffïant

CONTENTS PAGE

From Martyn 1

From Tosan 2

Bromley Borough Fodbank 2

From David 3

From Ivor 5

From Helen 6

Church Family Meeting 7

Quiz Night 8

Keep Sundays Special 9

Ministry of Flowers 10

Home Mission 11

Project Ruth 12

Womens Friendship Group 13

Thank You 13

Christmas Outreach 14

Christmas Services 15

Miriam Paszová 16

GB 17

BMS Birthdays 18

We need chocolate! 19

Tales from the Caf 19

GB Juniors 20

After Christmas… 20

Contact details

Next Signpost

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Dear Friends,So many people in our world have little or no hope. You canoften see it in their eyes. When you look at the terrors andtragedies of even just this past year you can understand whythat sense of hopelessness grows. Christians have a gospel ofgood news that offers HOPE to the hopeless. This Christmas

season provides a wonderful time to share that HOPE. Do come to our worshipservices and join us to celebrate this message and be inspired to share it withothers. You’ll find all the details about services in this edition of Signpost.The Gospel was always intended to be shared and not just kept within ourchurch walls. Let me ask you for your help in making this happen in a variety ofways:● Collect Christmas Tree chocolate decorations for giving out and then join us

on the High Street on Saturday 9 December.● Sing carols to the shoppers on Friday 15 December in Tesco foyer between

7 & 8.00pm● Distribute knitted Angels around our community from Sunday 17 December● Use our Christmas leaflets to invite family and friends to services● Help us distribute ‘In Touch’, our community newsletter, to the roads around

OBC● Pray with others that lives will be touched and blessed by the message of

HOPE this Christmas (Prayer Gatherings for all at OBC on Saturdays 9.00-10.00am or Sundays 9.30-10.00)

● And be a personal witness yourself to the HOPE that the Gospel offers inJesus Christ - Emmanuel - God with us.

As we come towards Advent, Margaret and I especially want to pray God’sblessing of peace and hope for you and yours this Christmas-time. It is a privilegeto serve you through our Church family. So ‘Happy Christmas’ and a HOPE FILLEDNew Year.

With love in Christ,Martyn

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INTRODUCING OUR NEW YOUTH INTERNNow Katie has moved on into full-time work we have a new intern who’ll beworking with Danny, our Youth Minister:Hello everyone my name is Tosan Biyibi, I'm a graduate of fashion design andI have been a member of OBC all my life. I grown up in this church from Crecheto Academy as well as Girls Brigade. Though I have been brought up in Christianfaith, my first step on my journey with Christ began at an evening devotionsat a GB camp. I felt the Spirit of the Lord around me and since then I have beenbaptized and my faith has been centre of my life.What will you be doing as our Youth Intern?For the next 11 months I will be working with the young people in Explore,Youth Café and Academy.What do you hope to get from it?As a young Christian in this day and age it is hard to understand let aloneexpress my faith. I want to have a greater confidence and understanding ofmy faith in Christ so that I am not being led by blind faith. In turn I want tohelp guide the young people in their understanding of the word of God andthe love of Jesus Christ.

Foodbank would love to blesstheir clients with festive treats- please remember them when

you’re doing your shopping!

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A week ago now I was listening to Sharon Prior who spoke at therecent children’s ministry conference in Eastbourne. I say recentit was way back in January and I have only got round to hearingwhat she had to say!Her topic was about ministry to children andmuch was said about our delivery of the gospel, I was encouraged

to hear that nurturing children should be our priority and hearing what theyhave to say should be encouraged further. It was also pointed out that manychildren who make a commitment need tools to help them grow andconsider how they will respond. This links so well into what we are doingcurrently amongst our children now. Below I have stated some of thechildren’s comments: “We can ask questions about God and you give us the answers”, “God likesyou doing this” and “You are just like Jesus.” Just last Sunday a little girl toldme her dream with the help of her mum, it was a clear vision of Heaven. TheHoly Spirit is at work though our children and as we have begun “Rooted”this term there have been more and more positive signs that the Holy Spiritis indeed at work.

The Spinnaker assemblies have gone really wellthis term as I returned to Tubbenden, Blenheimand Poverest. Below are some of the feedback:

“As I was leaving Tubbenden a few weeks ago a member of staff stoppedme and thanked me for picking a particular boy to be a volunteer in myassembly. He has Asperger’s but because he had been picked he was takingthe story in more than he usually does and she was delighted.”

“The RE co-ordinator of Poverest thanked me for coming back into the schoolthe children have been asking when I was returning this term and couldn’twait to see me again.”

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“The new Head Teacher at Blenheim had heard all about my Spinnakerassemblies and was delighted that I was still able to come in this term.”

Art has found it’s way into the Boy’s Brigade this term as we have beenlooking at some topics in the Bible with the Juniors and later this term theAnchor Boys will be having a go as we look at the Christmas story. I havebeen using The Lord’s Prayer this term as a devotional exercise with theJunior Girl’s Brigade and after half term I will be using a similar outline inExplorer’s together with some bible stories and craft sessions.

Tiddlers our weekly toddlers group continues to flourish with new familiesmost weeks. If there is anyone who could help even just once a month ona Wednesday between 1.15 and 2.45 I would love to hear from you. Hereare some of roles on offer:● Sit and chat to some of our families over a cup of tea● Come and read aloud a children’s story for 5 minutes● Come and help us sing some nursery rhymes● Lead a simple craft table, the children like to stick on stickers, or colour

with wax crayons

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The Autumn is a time for tidying up the garden. A time for leavesto be raked up and set to mulch, for hedges to be given a finaltrim before their winter sleep and for the vegetable patch to bedug over and cleared of any lingering weeds. “Taking stock” is avery appropriate phrase for gardeners and could equally beapplied to us all as we head towards Christmas. It’s a time to

reflect back on the Spring and Summer and prepare for the dark nights ahead.This December is a special month for your treasurer. Not only does it includea mountain marathon on the 2nd, but on the 25th I turn 60… this too is atime for reflection as I enter the autumn of my life (maybe a bit dramatic,but you get my drift!!). November will see me training and Decembercelebrating as 2017 comes to a close. I’ve talked before about the financesbeing like a marathon – they need careful planning, lots of endurance and agood deal of encouragement – but they are also like a garden and they tooneed tidying up at this time of year. Counting the income as we head to theend of December and making sure that all the bills are paid and the accountsagree with the Bank.Many hours are spent in recording and reporting, working out what is possibleand allowing people to get on with the ministry of God’s people. SometimesI feel like a gardener, trimming and weeding and sometimes like a marathonrunner, training and going through pain. But all this work gives great causefor celebration, for God has been good to us here at OBC. We have hundredsof givers who are committed to the Lord’s work and, as we take stock, let uscelebrate the fruit of our stewardship and the blessings of our generosity.As the nights get longer, let’s rejoice together in God’s goodness as we headtowards Advent, when light came flooding into the darkness. Let’s be readyfor all that God will do as the year comes to an end. Let’s reflect backon 2017 and then look ahead with hope and celebration.Let’s take stock, keep giving generously andwait expectantly for what the Lord willdo with our gifts.Ivor ReveleyChurch Treasurer

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Five ways to stay healthy this winterIt may be cold outside, but winter needn't be the unhealthiest timeof year for you and your family.Here are five ways to make sure that, even when your body is tellingyou to hibernate, you can keep healthy and fit, no matter what the

weather's like.Banish winter tirednessMany people feel tired and sluggish during winter. This is due to the lack ofsunlight, which disrupts our sleep and waking cycles.Try these tips:● get outdoors in natural daylight as much as possible● get a good night's sleep; go to bed and wake up at the same time each day● destress with exercise or meditation; stress has been shown to make you

feel tired

Eat more fruit and vegWhen it's cold and dark outside, it can be tempting to fill up on unhealthycomfort food. However, it's important to ensure you still have a healthy dietand include five portions of fruit and veg a day.If you find yourself craving a sugary treat, try a juicy clementine or satsumainstead.Winter vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, swede and turnips can be roasted,mashed or made into soup for a comforting winter meal for the whole family.Explore varieties of fruit and veg that you may not normally eat.

Drink more milkYou are more likely to get a cold in winter, so make sure your immune systemis in tip-top condition.Milk and dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais are greatsources of protein,vitamins A & B12 and calcium, which helps keep our bonesstrong. Choose semi-skimmed, 1% or skimmed milk – rather than full-fat – andlow-fat plain yoghurts.

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Try new activities for the whole familyDon't use the cold winter months as an excuse to stay in and lounge around.Instead, get out with the whole family to try out a new activity – maybe iceskating, or taking a bracing winter walk on the beach or through the park.Regular exercise helps control your weight, boost your immune system, andis a good way to break the tension that can build if the family is constantlycooped up inside the house.

Have a hearty breakfast Winter is the perfect season for porridge. Eating awarm bowlful on a cold morning isn't just a delicious way to start your day,it also helps boost your intake of starchy foods and fibre. These foods giveyou energy and help you feel fuller for longer, stopping the temptation tosnack mid-morning. Oats also contain lots of vital vitamins and minerals.Make your porridge with semi-skimmed, 1% or skimmed milk, or water, anddon't add sugar or salt. Add a sliced banana, berries or other fruit for extraflavour and to help you hit your 5 A Day target.

From: https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/Healthywinter.aspx

ALL WELCOME but please sign-up at the WelcomeDesk if you’re comingCome to be informed, share together, pray togetherNot yet a Church Member?Everyone who comes to OBC is an important part of our ChurchFamily. But if you’d like to take your commitment to God’s work atOBC a step further and be involved in decision-making by becominga Church Member (which will give you a vote at our Church FamilyMeetings) please pick up a leaflet from the Welcome Desk or talk toMartyn for more details.

With a roast lunch : Sunday 19 November 12.30

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NOVEMBER

5 10.30 Worship together: Rev Edwin Penman (BMS World Mission)

5.00 United Churches Together worship at Holy Innocents

12 10.30 Remembrance Sunday All-age with Parade

3.00 'You Are Special’ Golden Service

19 10.30 Worship together with Communion

12.30 Church Family Lunch and meeting (Please sign-up to attend)

26 10.30 Worship together

3.30 Safeguarding Level Three training

DECEMBER

3 10.30 Advent Sunday

6.30 'Hush!’ Service with Communion

10 10.30 All-age Toy Service with Parade

17 10.30 Worship together with Communion

6.30 Carols By Candlelight

24 10.30 All-age Nativity Celebration

25 10.00 All-age Christmas Day Celebration

31 10.30 News Years Eve Worship together

KEEP SUNDAY SPECIAL

KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

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Date Donated by Remembering Arranged byNovember5 Available Wendy Collins

12 Yvonne & KenMulley

Their interest in theBritish Legion

Fran MorrisLinda Timmins

19 Ken Wooster His wife Brenda Karen Sumner

26 Jenny Tompsett& Susan Langley

Family and friends Linda Timmins

December3 Janice Cotton Her Wedding Anniversary Wendy Collins

Dorothy Ofori Thanks to God for lookingafter her and her family

10 Available Linda Timmins

17 Christmas Decorations Team

24 Marilyn Crisp Her Mum Margaret andDad Alan

Marilyn Crisp

31 Peter & JanetJohnson

Their WeddingAnniversary

Linda Timmins

If you would like to take part in this ministry, either as a regular annualdonator or with a single donation for something special, please speak

with Linda Timmins (linda.timmins@ntlworld.com 07944 213662)

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1. Which church on the display did OBC helpto begin?

2. Where would you be if you were near twochurches which seem like home?

3. Who is the minister of Cornerstone?4. In what area does the Thames Gateway

house group meet?5. What is “The Table” not?6. How much government funding does Home

Mission receive?7. Who is OBC’s main contact at the Kent

Thames Gateway project?8. Which church do you think was inspired by

Luke 14:15 - 24?9. What percentage is the target for a Baptist

church to give to Home Mission?10. Who is the current minister of Poverest

Road Baptist Church?

What do you know aboutHome Mission?

The Mission noticeboard is next to theserving hatch in OBC’s foyer. At themoment, it is displaying information aboutHome Mission and OBC’s involvement inthis vital UK ministry.

The answers to the ten questions here areon the noticeboard so read the board andanswer the questions. When you think youhave sorted them out, let Don Benjaminknow.

But hurry – the noticeboard changesoften. Who can tell what the next topicwill be?

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It's great that a team of our young people were able toexperience the work at our twin Church in Bucharestthis summer.People sometimes ask what happens to the children taught at the ProjectRuth school once they have left. The realities are hard for the Roma peopleas they are outcasts to mainstream society and often despised by normalRomanian citizens. Sadly many of the families are caught in poverty and ininevitable criminal activity.The average Ruth School student spends more than 7000 hours in classeswhere they have been provided with the supplies their family couldn’tafford, the hot meal they were missing and an education withoutdiscrimination. After these 7000+ hours, the students move on to a publichigh school where they often face challenges they never expected. ProjectRuth Social Workers continue to be available to former students as they

make that transition. They are welcomed back tothe IT lab to write term papers when their newteachers have torn up their handwritten versionsbecause they don’t have computers at home liketheir classmates. They are welcomed back to thelibrary to borrow books that are required readingfor 9th grade literature but aren’t available tothem. They are welcomed back for words ofencouragement. They are welcomed back tosucceed.During the autumn term of 2016, half a dozenformer students came back to the Ruth School,one even in tears, for notebooks, for help and forhope. In late January 2017 a Project Ruth SocialWorker coordinated a meeting with a faith-based

high school in Bucharest for four of these students who were unable to besuccessful in their current high schools because of instructional problems.After the meeting all four students completed the documentation to transferto this school where the headmaster shared that they would try to

“They may notalways be our

students but wewill always be

THEIR advocates.”

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understand the tough situations these students come from, pray for themand their families and provide them with a quality education.The Project Ruth school has also been working with women to see their skillsin needlework developed into a livelihood through the work of the NaomiCentre. Out of Project Ruth has also come the Gypsy Smith school for trainingRoma Pastors to minister in Roma Churches all over Romania.

Isn't it great that OBC is partnering in this wonderful outreach ministry just afew hours away by plane but in a very different world! Let's pray for God'swork at Providence Baptist Church in the Ferrentari district of Bucharest andthe outreach charity that they inspired in Project Ruth.You can read much more on the Project Ruth website (in English)http://projectruth.ro/uk/news.htm

All ladies are invited to come to

We meet again on Monday January 8th 2018 in the lower hall.Please join us this New Year from 2-3pm followed by tea.More information from Doreen Jermyn, Pauline Hollands,

Helen Stockman or Brenda Cross

November

6 Work and Faith – Eniko Benfield

13 Star Fish Asia - Kerstin and Mike Wakely

20 Bible Study - David Jermyn

27 Christmas Flowers – Cecilia Willatts

December

4 Christmas Party

11 Christmas Service

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Christmas Outreach and you

PRAY:with friends or come to one of our weekly prayer gatherings:

Saturdays 9.00-10.00am and Sundays 9.30-10.00am

INVITE:friends and family to one of our services

COME TO TESCO:and join us carol-singing in the foyer onFriday 15 December between 7-8.00pm

HELP:Distribute ‘In Touch’, our community newsletter,

to streets around OBC

Buy chocolate tree decorations for 9 December

Distribute our knitted angels following the project dedicationon Sunday 17 December

At our Sanctuary Cafe Wed/Thurs during Adventor on Saturday 9 December 10.00am-2.00pm

Buy chocolate tree decorations

Meet 10.00am Saturday 9 December to go to theHigh Street and give away chocolate decorations

and invitations to our services

Please

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Christmas at OBC

All-age

Nativity CelebrationSunday 24 December

10.30am

All-age

Christmas Day10.00am

Advent Service with CommunionSunday 3 December

6.30pm

HUSH! CAROLS BYCANDLELIGHT

Sunday 17 December6.30pm

All-age & Parade

Toy ServiceSunday 10 December

10.30am

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Miriam made a huge contribution to our youthwork here at OBC in 2006 and has now returned toher home country of Czech Republic to continueher ministry.She is currently working in Bohumin with JosiahVenture. (www.josiahventure.com)Josiah Venture have a vision to capture the energyand enthusiasm of youth and train them to fulfilChrist’s commission through the local church.We have committed to support Miriam over thenext three years.

Earlier in the year, she and her team organised a week-long evangelistic event(The Exit Tour) This resulted in largenumbers of young people wanting to knowmore about Jesus. Many joined the Kexclub - a youth club run by Miriam and herteam. They now have 15 young people thatare being followed up.

There has been a warm response byschools to the ‘Gospel for Schools’teaching programme. Many have asked forBibles.

Please pray for Miriam and her ministry:

• For Miriam and the workers, that they would receive strength, love and wisdom from God• For more helpers and for Team Unity• For the young people, their faith, open hearts, eagerness and perseverance.• For the parents of the young people.

Miriam Paszová

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The first half term at GB has gone well with good numbers in allsections and we are already planning our Christmas Parties!Before summer has gone completely, I would like to takeyou back to early August when we took 9 Seniors to GB

Camp in Holcot House (near Edenbridge). A lot was packed into 5days away, including a visit to Pooh Sticks Bridge accompanied by Helen

Stockman, an expert in all things ‘Winnie the Pooh’. An afternoon at the localSwimming pool with a visit from GB friends Kay and Luke, enjoying the flumesand floats + a free hot shower! In typical English summer weather (pouringrain) a day at the seaside in Littlehampton, there were no buckets & spadeson the beach, but we still managed to have a good time at the Fun Fair andfound refuge in a lovely little cinema watching Despicable Me 3, whilst dryingout!Our ‘Emoji’s’ theme saw some unusual games and competitions organisedby Bethany (pictures on our Facebook page) and thought provoking devotionson emotions led by Camp Leader Karen Hicks. It was great camp (apart fromthe First Aider who ended up in A&E – can’t get the staff!) and opportunityto get to know the girls better.

Brigaders have just finished a Science badge. Thisinvolved finding out how much protection an eggneeds when dropped from the Sanctuary balcony -unfortunately, neither of the structures worked -fortunately the eggs were in a plastic bags so therewas no cleaning up to do. Other experiments werecooking chocolate muffins, honeycomb, corn andsoda bread, making amplifiers out of Pringle tubesand discussions on our impact on the environment.A big thank you to Julie Nichols who devised the

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badge, explained the science behind the experiments and related this to thegirls lives.The Joint Band is working well, our thanks to Brett and the BB Band Staff forenabling the GB Band to continue. We are now looking forward to the takingsome Band members to London to take part in the Lord Mayors Show onSaturday 11th November – watch out for us as rumours are we might get amention on the BBC coverage this year.Sorry to mention Christmas again but it will soon be upon us. The GBwill be sorting the cards from the Christmas post box to raise money tosupport our GB Charities. Please give generously via the envelopes ontop of the postbox when sending cards to your friends in thecongregation or putting a card on the line in the foyer.Thank you for your prayers and support for our CompanySonia Mulley - GB Leader

Happy Birthday to those who celebrate in

www.bmsworldmission.org/birthdayPlease see Fran Morris if you’d like to know more.

If Gift Aid is claimed please make cheques payable to OBC.

DECEMBER:Theo Clift Catherine Hollands Helen Pourak

Vera Brewer Brett sumner David JonesSheila. Cooke Ivor Reveley Michaela Spinks

Nicola Benjamin-Leitner

NOVEMBER:Keith Warren Keith Hicks Adun WilliamsMelanie Rowe Elaine Robinson Wendy Collins

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Tales from the CaféWe are delighted to see so many people supporting the Caféas we continue to seek to serve our church and community,

thank you to all our regulars.

We have been particularly pleased to welcome some newfamilies and pray that they will they begin to become more

regular too. Please pray that we will be able to build relationships with themand that they will be able to join in other church activities.

This Autumn we have welcomed two new team members and hope that theywill enjoy serving God through this ministry, it is great to have them on board.Do get in touch if you would like to be involved.

Our Saturday Café in October was a huge success. We look forward to “Bunting& Boards “ with Mel Rowe in aid of The Brian Tumour Charity on SaturdayNovember 18. “Handmade Jewellery” in aid of St Christopher’s on ThursdayNovember 23 and “Carols & Crafts” on Saturday December 9.

Look forward to seeing you soon!The Café Team

We’re planning to go into Orpington High Streeton Saturday 9 December giving out chocolatedecorations and invitations to our Christmas Services.When you’re doing your shopping please buy a pack ofchocolate tree decorations (individually wrapped stars,angels, presents etc) - if possible Fairtrade -and bring them to the Welcome Deskbefore 9 DecemberIF YOU’D LIKE TO JOIN THE TEAM GOING OUTPLEASE MEET AT OBC AT 10AM ON SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER

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Recently the GB Juniors' theme was Friendship. As oneof their activities they wrote their own versions of Psalm15 and later considered how Jesus could be their friend.Below are their verses:

A friend is always loyal and truthful.A friend never leaves your side.

A friend is kind, honest and reliable.A friend will comfort you when you are sad.

A friend is loving and caring and helps you when you are in need.A friend will listen to you.

True friendship lasts for ever.

Please remember to pray for those who volunteer to teach and nurture ourchildren and teenagers as they seek to root young lives in God’s love.

When the song of the angels is stilled,when the star in the sky is gone,when the kings and princes are home,when the shepherds are back with the flocks,then the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost,

to heal those broken in spirit,to feed the hungry,to release the oppressed,to rebuild the nations,

to bring peace among all peoples,to make a little music with the heart…and to radiate the Light of Christ,every day, in every way,in all that we do and in all that we say.

TEXT-A-PRAYER 07891 259 195 and someone will pray for you

Orpington Baptist ChurchStation Road, Orpington, Kent BR6 0RZ

Orpington Baptist Church

Church Office: 01689 877265 (Mrs Jo Lewis & Mrs Pam Reynolds)Email: office@orpingtonbaptist.org.ukWebsite: www.orpingtonbaptist.org.uk

Children & Families WorkerDavid Jones

07946 345 717daviddjones@aol.com

Church Treasurer: Mr Ivor ReveleyTel: 01689 815344 Email: revivor@aol.com

Youth PastorRev Danny Brown

07888 399 714dannywbrown@me.com

MinisterRev Martyn Travers

07891 259 195mptravers@aol.com

Worship Co-ordinatorJon Newman

07838 177 649gsgmusic@hotmail.com

Jan/Feb 2018 deadline: Wed 27 DecemberI’d be grateful if all items are emailed to me on or before that date please*

marg15456@aol.com*To ensure your article is read by all with eager anticipationplease try to keep it to a maximum of 700 words. Thanks!

Marg Travers 01689 873092If you don’t have a computer Ekua Stephen has kindly offered to type your article foryou. Please give it to Ekua (not the Church Office) at least two days before deadline.

SIGNPOST is also available onlineSAVES PAPER SAVES ADMIN TIME SAVES MONEY

www.orpingtonbaptist.org.uk

SIGNPOST is the bi-monthly newsletter for people who come toOBC. Its aim is to keep everyone informed about our Church lifeand the needs of the world around us, near and far.

We meet together on Sundays at 10.30am and (most weeks) at 6.30pmDuring the morning service there are groups for babies through to youngpeople.

For more informationabout our weekly

programme please lookat our Sunday bulletin

or the OBC websitewww.orpingtonbaptist.org.uk