GOD'S GLORY, OUR JOY

Do you remember the petrol crisis of September 2000 when the country ground to a halt? Somehow or other, in the midst of that crisis, seventy or so folk from around the north-west managed to get to Warrington for the first "God's Glory, Our Joy" conference. The conference was planned by five local ministers. They represent no grouping or movement, except the churches they pastor. Their only aim was to remind folk of the great central truths of the reformed faith, and the way they work out in the lives of local churches. Those who came to the conference listened to serious, earnest preaching on vital subjects - God, his Gospel, true Worship.

The conference was planned as a one-off but inevitably, people asked afterwards, "When's the next?" So a second conference has been planned for October 2001. The place is different, but the great theme is the same. We plan to meet for two days (Friday 26th, Saturday 27th October) at the Bishops' High School, Chester. Again God's glory is our great concern. Stephen Rees (Stockport) will give two papers on "God at the Centre": our theology, our lifestyle, our evangelism must all centre on God himself. Nick Needham from the Highland Theological College will show us that we honour God by honouring his Book, the Bible. Tim Mills (Bradford) will speak on "Singing for God's Glory". Wal Johnston (Chorlton) will argue that we cannot glorify God rightly if we neglect the life of the local church which is his chosen temple. One vital aspect of the life of local churches is the way they relate to one another. So Martin Grubb (Chester) will give us a personal view of the evangelical scene and especially the way that nonconformist evangelical churches relate to our anglican brethren. Chris Rogers (Liverpool) and John Marshall (Hemel Hempstead) will preach at the opening and closing sessions of the conference.

This is a conference for all believers, not just ministers or church-officers. We encourage all to come - for both days if possible. For more information, contact Walter Johnston (0161- 881 1023) or John Palmer (01257- 462697 or 464347).

STEPHEN REES