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THIS WEEK

Comment

Praying for new life in Pakistan p5

Resources Was Euchytus ahead of his time? p12

Holiday Where to go in 2008 p16/17

Books The postChristmas challenge p20

THE BapTisT TimEsThursday, January 10, 2008

News . . . . . . . . . . . . .p3 Feature . . . . . . . . . . . .p5 Local news . . . . . . . . .p6 Comment . . . . . . . . . . .p8 Outside Edge . . . . . . . .p9 Rackley’s reflections . .p10 Resources . . . . . . . . .p12

Feature . . . . . . . . . . .p13 Classifieds . . . . . . . . .p14 TV & Radio . . . . . . . .p18 Hazel Southam . . . . .p19 Books . . . . . . . . . . . .p19 Review . . . . . . . . . . . .p20 Final Word . . . . . . . . .p20

THE BapTisT TimEs

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VeggieTale pirates on the big screen

LARRY the Cucumber is on top form in another VeggieTales movie, released tomorrow by Hollywood giants Universal Studios. CG-animated adventure T he Pirates Who Don’t do Anything – A VeggieTales Movie , follows on from the popular faith-and-values-based series, with

cheeky humour fit for kids and adults. The comic voyage follows Larry, Mr Lunt and Pa Grape as misfits who want to be heroes. But when the veggie crew set sail for adventure they discover that real heroes don’t have to be handsome - or even human. Will they save the day or be forced to walk the plank?

Phil Vischer, who wrote the film, said these are exciting times for the veggies. ‘This adventure shows them that with the calling, and a commitment to doing what’s right, even when it’s hard, they can be exactly what they’ve always longed to be.’

Get ready to vote for best church website

By JENNY WILLIAMS

THE BAPTIST Union of Great Britain (BUGB) has launched its first Web Awards competition to find the best church website in the Union. The first votes can be cast by churchgoers in March on BUGB’s website, choosing

the best church website for each of the thirteen regional Associations. During May’s Baptist Assembly the thirteen finalists will be voted on to find the overall winner, to be announced at the Assembly. Amanda Allchorn, BUGB head of communications,

believes the awards are a fun way for churches to think about their own websites. ‘Increasingly people look on church websites before making a decision to visit,’ she said. ‘By championing the denomination’s best local websites we can inspire churches to consider how they can make

their websites more effective.’ Also over the coming months, BUGB web designer Matt Corry will share top web building tips on the BUGB website. Churchgoers can nominate any BUGB church until February 12. More information at http:// www.baptist.org.uk/webawards.

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In a world of ‘how to’ books there is a surprising lack of writing on small churches . Into this desert area of Christian publishing comes a new and fresh book written by a Baptist in the context of truly understanding the struggles and opportunities of being in a small church . Hilary Taylor, who is herself part of the leadership in a small church, writes helpfully as a practitioner . As such this is a down-to-earth, realistic publication . A Toolbox for Small Churches is published by Thankful books .

Often we turn to the Bible looking for ‘off the shelf’ answers . When confusion and doubt crowd in, we open its pages hoping to find simple answers to our complex situations . John Rackley challenges this view, exploring what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, learning and following in his way . Rather than searching for easy answers, how can we develop a seeking and searching faith that ultimately strives to find God’s heart of grace? Based on his popular column in The Baptist Times , Seeking Faith Finding God is ideal for groups and is published by BRF .

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January 10, 2008