Memorandum No 03/2024
To the Brethren
Oxford, 28 August 2024
Dear Brethren, The Peace of God. Amen.
MANCHESTER REOPENING
According to the latest announcements, upon the preparation of God, on the 21st of September, we will have the reopening of the church in Manchester. Such a milestone reflects a great victory of the Work of God in the United Kingdom. We want to thank all those who have contributed in some way to this, whether it was through the Holy collections, or the time dedicated, or the voluntary work, and, above all, through the prayers that have risen as pleasant incense to our God. It is due to be informed that, for the first services, scheduled for the 21st and 22nd of September, there will be a limit on the maximum capacity of people who will be allowed to enter into the church, due to the laws of England. The entire ministry and administration desired to accommodate everyone, but we are conscious of our limitations and duties under the law. For this reason, several measures are being adopted by the brothers of the administration in communion with the ministry, so that everything takes place in the most perfect order and good witness of the Work of God. Acting with the same diligence and carefulness that we have been taught, we are sure that shortly our generations will harvest the same fruits that we are today, and they will have the freedom to continue with the Work of God throughout the United Kingdom. Your brothers in Christ, The Council of Elders in the United Kingdom and the Administrative Committee
Memorandum No 01/2024
To the Brethren
Oxford, 20 January 2024
Dear Brethren, The Peace of God. Amen.
OFFERS VIA BANK CARD
Currently, the Christian Congregation in the United Kingdom offers two methods for contributing to our collections. Those who feel to give currently can give either via cash offerings in the collection boxes at our houses of prayer, or alternatively, they can make an online bank transfer.
In an effort to give the brethren additional options for contributing to the collections, and to improve our administrative procedures and efficiency, the Ministry and Administration will be implementing debit card machines in the houses of prayers. Please note that all offers made using debit cards will be entirely anonymous, as is our custom.
All of the other funding methods will continue to be available, including cash offerings in collection boxes and bank transfers. We encourage those who are already using bank transfers to continue to do so.
Due to factory settings, the card machines provide predetermined offering values that, unfortunately, we cannot change. As such, these pre-configured options are not obligatory, but rather a system setting within the software, which we cannot alter. There is an option to make an offering of a customized value that the brother or sister decides upon, thus respecting the wishes of each individual when contributing to collections.
We will initially implement the card machines in a few select locations and gradually roll this out to other houses of prayer in the near future.
Your brothers in Christ,
The Council of Elders in the United Kingdom and Administrative Committee
Offers for the Work of Piety and Miscellaneous
Account Holder: Christian Congregation in the United Kingdom Bank: CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) Sort Code: 40-52-40 | Account Number: 00101544 Please, put the location name in the reference text field.
To the Brethren
Oxford, 20 January 2024
Dear Brethren, The Peace of God. Amen.
OFFERS VIA BANK CARD
Currently, the Christian Congregation in the United Kingdom offers two methods for contributing to our collections. Those who feel to give currently can give either via cash offerings in the collection boxes at our houses of prayer, or alternatively, they can make an online bank transfer.
In an effort to give the brethren additional options for contributing to the collections, and to improve our administrative procedures and efficiency, the Ministry and Administration will be implementing debit card machines in the houses of prayers. Please note that all offers made using debit cards will be entirely anonymous, as is our custom.
All of the other funding methods will continue to be available, including cash offerings in collection boxes and bank transfers. We encourage those who are already using bank transfers to continue to do so.
Due to factory settings, the card machines provide predetermined offering values that, unfortunately, we cannot change. As such, these pre-configured options are not obligatory, but rather a system setting within the software, which we cannot alter. There is an option to make an offering of a customized value that the brother or sister decides upon, thus respecting the wishes of each individual when contributing to collections.
We will initially implement the card machines in a few select locations and gradually roll this out to other houses of prayer in the near future.
Your brothers in Christ,
The Council of Elders in the United Kingdom and Administrative Committee
To the Ministry and Brethren
London, July 18, 2022
Dear Brethren, The Peace of God. Amen.
The Ministry and the Administration of the Christian Congregation in the United Kingdom, in communion with the Council of the Senior Elders and Deacons of the Christian Congregation in Brazil, in reference to the Sole Collection as discussed in circular n.111.2021 of the CCB, has resolved to continue with the collections and offerings in one singular collection for the Work of Piety, Constructions and General, first attending to the Work of Piety and then the necessities of the Administration.
It is important to note that we will continue to participate in the European Collection, which will be accounted for separately given its ultimate destination.
The use of and division of the collection will be determined, in communion, by the Elders, Deacons and the Administration.
Your brothers in Christ, The Ministry and Administration of the CCUK
Memorandum No 02/2024
To the Brethren
Oxford, 1 January 2024
Dear Brethren, The Peace of God. Amen.
NEW BANK ACCOUNT
We wish to inform you that, from 1st July 2024, the Christian Congregation in the United Kingdom will be using a new bank account to receive offerings via bank transfer.
Therefore, we kindly ask our brethren to use the new bank account from July 2024 onwards. The new account details will be available on the CCUK website and can also be accessed via the QR code in the collection boxes.
Please help us spread this information to prevent any incorrect transfers.
Finally, we remind you to enter the name of your location in the reference field when making an online offering.
Your brothers in Christ, The Council of Elders in the United Kingdom and the Administrative Committee
Memorandum No 02/2023
To the Bethren
Oxford, 09 December 2023
Dear Brethren, The Peace of God. Amen.
ACQUISITION OF BOOK STORE MATERIAL AND BORROWING HYMN BOOKS
The Ministry and Administration would like to make the brethren aware of the fact that the supplies available for sale in our Book Stores are acquired from the Central Distributor of the Christian Congregation in Brazil. As such, this material is imported by the Christian Congregation in the United Kingdom at a cost.
Therefore, we ask our dear brethren to avoid acquiring Book Store supplies for the purpose of gifting it to friends/family members who reside outside the United Kingdom, as they can order the same material in their local congregations, especially those residing in Brazil.
The supplies of the Book Stores are specifically procured to meet the needs of the brethren in the United Kingdom.
Additionally, we have noticed many hymn books being loaned to the brethren and children during the Holy Services, which in some cases has left us without sufficient hymn books for those who are visiting us or those that have received the testimony, precluding them from fully participating in the Holy Service.
We strongly request that our brethren avoid borrowing hymn books, to guarantee that we will have sufficient material to lend to our visitors and those who have received the testimony. Additionally, parents should acquire hymn books, bibles, and veils for their children, and teach their children by setting a good example of how to use and care for these holy things and the tools that we have been given as Christians.
Your brothers in Christ,
The Council of Elders in the United Kingdom and Administrative Committee
Memorandum No 03/2023
To the Brethren
Oxford, 09 December 2023
Dear Brethren, The Peace of God. Amen.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
The festive celebrations that take place on December 25th around the world, where the birth of Lord Jesus is celebrated, are traditions of ancient pagan peoples who venerated their idols on this day. This tradition, with idolatrous characteristics, has continued during our times.
The Lord Jesus left the commandment to remember His death and passion, but there is no reference in the scripture regarding the date of His birth nor a recommendation to celebrate it. Decorating our houses with lights, illuminated trees, Christmas ornaments, and exchanging gifts on this day are not suitable practices.
There are brethren who greet people wishing them a Merry Christmas, denoting acceptance of these customs that contradict the Word of God. The people of God should be vigilant not to be contaminated by the traditions that exist in the world, keeping true to what the Lord Jesus said concerning the disciples in John 17:16: “ They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world .”
Your brothers in Christ, The Council of Elders in the United Kingdom
Memorandum No 01/2023
To the Brethren
Oxford, 19 August 2023
Dear Brethren, The Peace of God. Amen.
FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY IN WORSHIP SERVICES AND SPECIAL EVENTS
The Christian Congregation in the United Kingdom (CCUK), in an effort to preserve the identity and image of those who attend the houses of prayer, as well as to ensure the safeguarding of children, informs the brethren that the CCUK does not authorize the filming and/or photography of worship services and/or special events, nor the publication and dissemination of these films or images on any social network or website.
We therefore request the cooperation of the beloved brethren, and particularly the parents, to not film your children in worship services, at the Children and Young People’s meetings, and the Musical Teaching Group (GEM), so as not to expose other children, as there is no express authorization for this, and thus avoiding any legal penalties that you could incur.
We inform the brethren that signs will be posted at the entrance of the houses of prayer, indicating the aforementioned prohibitions
Your brothers in Christ,
The Council of Elders in the United Kingdom and Administrative Committee
Memorandum No 05/2022
To the Ministry and Brethren
London, July 18,2022
Dear Brethren, ThePeace of God. Amen.
The Ministry and the Administration of the Christian Congregation in the United Kingdom, in communion with the Council of the Senior Elders and Deacons of the Christian Congregation in Brazil, in reference to the Sole Collection as discussed in circular n.111.2021 of the CCB, has resolved to continue with the collections and offerings in one singular collection for the Work of Piety, Constructions and General, first attending to the Work of Piety and then the necessities of the Administration.
It is important to note that we will continue to participate in the European Collection, which will be accounted for separately given its ultimate destination.
The use of and division of the collection will be determined, in communion, by the Elders, Deacons and the Administration.
Your brothers in Christ, The Ministry and Administration of the CCUK
Memorandum No 04/2022
Elders, Deacons, Cooperators, Cooperators for the Youth, Regional Conductors, Local Conductors, Administration and Collaborators
Oxford, March 12, 2022
Dear Brothers, The Peace of God. Amen.
The use of Beards and Goatees
We advise our brothers, including their sons, that it goes against our principles to present oneself with a beard, goatee, or an exotic hairstyle. As for those who are newly called into the grace, we will wait upon the Lord to complete this work.
We reiterate the incongruity of these customs with the expected discipline and conduct of our brethren.
The Ministry disapproves of these customs.
As for brothers who are musicians and those that hold any voluntary position or Ministry within the CCUK, if they present themselves in the manner cited above, they will be advised of the need to conform with our teachings, and if they persist in maintaining these customs, they should resign their volunteer position or Ministry, as this is the discipline required within the Christian Congregation in the United Kingdom.
Your brothers in Christ, The Council of Elders in the United Kingdom and The Elders Responsible for Music
To the Brethren – January 20, 2022
London, January 20, 2022
Dear Brethren,
The Peace of God. Amen.
RE: SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE AT CCUK
According to the laws of the United Kingdom, all organisations that work with or come into direct or indirect contact with children are responsible for their physical, emotional, and psychological safety and well-being. Whenever their safety or well-being are in jeopardy, the Christian Congregation in the UK has a legal obligation to contact the local authorities. As Christians, it is our duty to obey the law of the land.
It is written in the Epistle of Paul to the Romans, in chapter 13:1-2, “ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”
As such, the Ministry is very concerned with the children as they are the future of the Work of God in this country. Therefore, we beseech all of you to act vigilantly and not allow your children to elude supervision under any circumstances.
As such, we kindly ask the brethren to do the following:
1-Accompany your children to the toilet, to have a drink of water, etc., which could prevent them from being exposed to any dangers or accidents that could occur within our midst. It is the parent’s responsibility to care for their children during the services, not the Doorkeepers.
2-We advise the parents to keep their children inside the church whilst a service is taking place, as this is where they will learn about the word of God and His teachings, which are paramount for the formation of their Christian character.
3- It is the responsibility of the parents to care for your children after the holy services as well, including the Children and Young People’s Meetings, always being aware of where their children are, and with whom they are gathering. By doing this, we impede the enemy of our souls from doing anything harmful to the spiritual, physical, or psychological development of our children.
4- Parents should not leave children unsupervised or being supervised by other children during the holy services, including the Children and Young People’s Meetings. If a child is found unsupervised by a relevant authority, the parents as well as the Christian Congregation in the UK could be legally penalised.
5- Additionally, we ask the brethren to act prudently, and avoid being left alone with children that are not your own, whether that be in bathrooms, kitchens, car parks or other areas. By being prudent, we will be protecting not only our children, but we will be protecting ourselves as well.
6- We would like to inform the brethren that upon the return of the Music Study Groups, children under the age of 12 will only be allowed to participate when accompanied by a parent or a responsible adult with the authorisation of their parents.
7- The Christian Congregation in the United Kingdom is not responsible for extra-curricular activities that occur outside of the halls in which we have the Holy Services, the Children and Young People’s Meetings, and Music Study Groups.
Finally, the brethren should not hesitate to contact the Ministry with any concerns related to the security of their children. All cases will be analysed by the ministry as well as the Safeguarding team of the CCUK, and, if necessary, will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities to take the necessary measures.
For the benefit of the brethren, the Safeguarding Policy for the CCUK is published on our website ( www.christiancongregation.org.uk ).
May God bless you all.
Greetings,
The Elders and Administrative Committee