Welcome to the Beacon Church
The Beacon Church
At Beacon we are committed to getting our hands dirty and making a difference 24/7 in our local community, our town, country and throughout the rest of the world. Our aim is to bring light into the world inwhich we live.
Computer Skills and Job Advice Centre
The Computer Skills & Job Advice Centre, historically, known locally as Computer Skills Centre or CSC, provides computing facilities and training, Internet access and an Information and Advice service for individuals and groups.
About Us
We are a Jesus Centred, Spirit filled, People of God,
who are dedicated to making disciples and visibly demonstrating God's love and power in the world.
Christians Against Poverty
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is an award winning debt counselling charity and it has a growing network of centres around the UK. Thousands of families and individuals have been released from the pressure of debt through the advice, financial education, budgeting and insolvency services that CAP provides.
If you would like free debt advice from CAP then please call 0800 328 0006 to make an appointment.
Frequently asked questions:
Q. Is CAP just for Christians?
A. No. CAP will help anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. CAP aims to ensure that nobody receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, nationality, religion, age, gender, marital status, sexual preference or disability.
Q. Does it cost anything?
A. No. The CAP service is completely free. However, we always offer people the opportunity to give donations to the charity so we can help more people. This is completely voluntary and will not be forced on you.
Q. Will my creditors cooperate with you?
A. Councils, utilities and mortgage companies work with us because we have the same goal and they have seen the results of our involvement. They know we offer fair repayments base on what you can afford. As long as living expenses are justified, reasonable and necessary, creditors do accept our repayment offers.
Beacon Life
Beacon Life is our shop on the Northumberland Court parade of shops.
In Beacon Life you will find a warm and welcoming smile
along with a whole lot more.
Adult's Clothes
Children's Clothes
Toys and games
Books, Cd's and videos.
Curtains and bedding
plus a whole lot more.
We also have available food hampers, home start up packs and a small amount of furniture . See in store for details.
Beacon Life is open
Monday to Friday
9:30am to 12:30pm
Tel 07514 418 143
Beacon Leadership
Eldership
The Beacon church is served by a team of elders who have responsibility for overseeing all the various aspects of church life. The elders are supported by a team of directors who take care of the financial and legal obligations of the church. The church is also a registered charity.
Elders
Director
Karen Sandberg, Rob Williams, Barry Rowbotham,
Tony Faulkner, David Creasey, Richard King, Angie Crowe
External Oversight
The Beacon church receives apostolic oversight from the New Frontiers family of churches. This means, whilst we operate autonomously in the way we manage our affairs at Beacon, we are served by those with apostolic gifting from amongst our family of churches. As an eldership we meet regularly with other church leaders and apostles in our region, both from within New Frontiers and beyond.
Sundays _ Beacon
Sunday is the time when we all join together to worship God and give thanks for what He has done and all that He is doing in our lives today.
We gather from around 10am and begin our formal time, though it is not very formal, around 10:15am. We sing, pray and use the Spiritual gifts that God has given to His church for the good of all those gathered.
There is a creche facility for all children under 3 years old and Kingdom Kids for those between the ages of 3 and 11 years old.
Alpha
The Alpha course is a great oppertunity to find out more about Jesus Christ and Christianity. Alpha lasts 9 weeks and covers a number of subjects including 'Who is Jesus?', 'What about suffering?' and 'What about other religions?' whilst still giving room for any other questions that you may have.
Each week starts with some food followed by a short talk and then a group discussion where no question is too big or too small to ask. The course is completely free.
If you are interested in attending an Alpha course at Beacon either come along and talk to one of the Leaders on a Sunday or phone the church office and leave your name and contact details. Alternatively you can send us an email from the contact us page.
"I went to Alpha because of coffee, cake and free child care. It has completely transformed my life"
New Frontiers
The Beacon Church is part of a family of churches called NewFrontiers who together are on a mission to restore the church, make disciples, train leaders, plant churches and reach the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Life Groups
Life groups are small groups that meet during the week to encourage and strengthen every member of the group in their pursuit of Jesus Christ. Life groups are a key component in outworking Beacon’'s vision and values of being Jesus centred, Spirit filled, children of God who are dedicated to making disciples and visibly demonstrating God’'s love and power to our world.
Every life group is different. Some groups are based around interests while other groups focus on worship, the prophetic or on in depth bible studies. Whatever the focus of a group may be every life group shares the same core values of prayer, sharing God'’s word and having fellowship with one another, and seeking to care, support and encourage every member of the group. Whatever the context of the meeting, each group will work out how to incorporate the following three core values whenever they meet.
Camera Club
Beacon Camera Club has been running for many years and is open to all those keen on photography to come together and share their love of photos.
The Marriage Course
The Marriage Course is for any couple who want to invest in their relationship, whether you have been together one or fifty years and whether you have a strong relationship or are struggling.
The Marriage Course was developed by Nicky and Sila Lee, who have been married for over thirty years, have four children and work at Holy Trinity Brompton Church. Nicky and Sila have spoken to thousands on the subject of marriage and are the co-authors of The Marriage Book which has sold over 52,000 copies since it was published in 2000. Their down to earth insight and advice into what makes a marriage strong have helped countless couples invest in the future together.
The Marriage Course talks are presented on DVD featuring Nicky and Sila. The talks are interspersed with filmed clips of couples talking about their experiences of marriage and street interviews from around the world. Along with this there are regular oppertunities for you to talk with your spouse about your relationship together.
One main feature of the marriage course is that you do not have to share anything with anyone else except your spouse. There are no group discussions, nor reports back after time alone. Those attending the course will listen to the same talks in a group and then split up and talk in couples about what they have heard.
This is a must for anyone who is married.
Stories
GOD'S GRACE
I had been in discomfort for such a long time due to an arthritic spine which had resulted from spinal fractures that happened about 23 years ago. The arthritic spasms in turn caused painful legs and feet, sometimes arms and hands were also affected. I was prescribed, and took, the maximum painkilling dosage, which helped to control the condition. Over time I've had several prayers for healing, some were successful, some were not. I supposed that was because I thought healing wasn't God's will for me.
On Sunday 16th January Martyn was the speaker and when he called for hurting people to raise their hands for healing prayers, my arm went up! Naomi, May and Debs stood and sat round me, laid their hands on me, especially the spinal area, and prayed. I put out my hands to receive healing and I BELIEVED I WOULD BE HEALED! I felt a warm glow surround me, heat on my spine and a wonderful feeling of peace filled me.
That lunchtime I did not need the usual medication, I had no pain and I was upright, something I could not achieve before. I am healed from that particular condition because I believed and received the healing.
PRAISE THE LORD. Muriel
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To Listen to the latest sermons from The Beacon Church you can either click on the link below or search for the Beacon Church Maidstone in Itunes. You can also subscribe to Podcasts in ITunes so that you keep up to date with what is going on at Beacon.
Jesus gave a Great Commission to His church to go into all the world and make disciples. At Beacon we seek to work in partnership with friends around the world to see this commission fulfilled.
Click on a flag and find out more about our friends and the work that we are involved in oversees.
Egypt
Ghana
Philip & Judy Hewer went to Ghana in 1972, working with Wycliffe Bible Translators to learn the Kasem language, to devise an alphabet and dictionary and then to teach the Kasena people that their own language could be written – all before computers were available.
Once this was done they began translating Old Testament stories along with the entire New Testament, which was finally completed and dedicated in 1989, some 17 years after they began. Work then commenced on the rest of the Old Testament and now over 21 years later the end is in sight. Expected completion 2012.
In recent years Philip and Judy have returner to the UK and continue to work from here. Philip goes to Ghana for 3-5 weeks twice a year to work directly with the 3 pastor/translators. Computers have made a great difference to their work.
The Beacon Church has been involved in work in Kenya since 1999, initially with a group of churches in the north west of Kenya, and, from 2001, with a christian school, Arise & Shine Academy, in a rural area some 55 kilometres north west of Eldoret in the Rift Valley province of the country.
Arise & Shine Academy was started in 1998 by Enock and Alice Muigei, who were responding to a clear leading from God to provide their children with a christian education. Their vision rapidly attracted the attention of friends and other local people, and the school rapidly expanded from an initial roll of just 6 to some 300 by the time members of Beacon visited in February 2001. Initially started as a primary school (providing education up to approximately age 14 - year 8, when the pupils take the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education, an early GCSE, the school developed, firstly by establishing a second primary school some 10 kilometres from the main site in Jan 2003, and then starting a High School adjacent to the new school in Jan 2005.
Beacon was originally involved in practical work, mainly installing electrical wiring, and in encouraging the teachers and other local christians who were part of the fellowship that met at the school. A sponsorship fund was established early on and has provided financial support for a growing number of pupils who would otherwise be denied the opportunity. Experienced teachers have been part of teams regularly visiting, and have provided major input to the schools' development. The latest project has been the establishment of an orphanage near the main schools as a community project by the church fellowship, which is now part of the local Africa Inland Church.
Kenya
United Kingdom
Magad and Rose
Computer Skills & Job Advice Centre
Welcome to the Computer Skills & Job Advice Centre (historically, known locally as Computer Skills Centre or CSC). The Centre provides computing facilities and training, Internet access and an Information and Advice service for individuals and/or groups, employment preparation courses. The helpful staff will aim to assist visitors use the computer equipment if required. We are open to anyone over 16 years of age, our most mature learner being 87 years old.There is a small initial joining fee, and on payment of this you will be issued with an annual membership card which is valid until December. Minimal charges are made for internet, PC use, printer paper, ink, refreshments etc. in order to cover running costs. Formal courses are all subsidised and low cost.
The Computer Skills & Job Advice Centre, St Martin’'s Church Hall, Northumberland Road, Maidstone is run by friendly, experienced and qualified staff from local churches:
•Tutors and Assistants enable learners to develop skills and confidence in using computers.
•NEXT STEP Advisors listen and give information and advice on issues relating to work, learning and life.
How can we help you?
Let us know by visiting us in person or phoning 01622 752751.
Our Open Session drop-in hours are Mondays from 11am to 3pm term time.
•OCR Approved (Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations)
•UK Online
•Matrix Accredited – for high standard Information, Advice and Guidance since 2004 (review Inspection June 2010)
•NEXT STEP Information and Advice service since 2005
Taster Sessions
Taster sessions are designed to allow non-members to "have a go" with a computer for an hour or two, assisted by a member of staff. If you have a specific interest then we may be able to tailor a session just for you:
Courses
• IT Tutors in Adult Education, Dawn and Linda, qualified and many years experience with
Assistants enable learners to develop skills and confidence in using computers.
• OCR Approved centre for Accredited (Levels 1 and 2) IT Courses since 2003
• UK Online Centre since 2003
We offer a variety of services to meet your IT needs. For example:
• Open Sessions - drop in and make use of a computer. Complete beginners welcome to
learn in a relaxed way. Why not type a letter, surf the Internet and find useful
information, Email a friend or practice for your driving theory test? Mondays term time
from 11am to 3pm
• Taster Sessions - find out about word processing, spreadsheets, the Internet, and more!
• Computer Courses - accredited courses in a variety of applications for beginners and
beyond.
• Basic Digital photography at Digital Camera Club
• Job Club with IT skills, – online job search, CV’s, job applications, covering letters
(see IAG)
How can we help you with Computers?
Let us know by visiting us in person Mondays 11am to 3pm term time, or
Phoning us on 01622 752751 or
Emailing dawn.scarisbrick_csc.thebeaconchurch.org or linda_csc.thebeaconchurch.org
Courses Informal and Basic IT
MyGuide Online Learning (UK Online)
Start from the beginning and/or develop computer skills, the internet and email. Learn at your own pace with staff available to help.
Complete Beginners
Find out how to get started in using a computer if you've never used one before. Learn to use a mouse and keyboard (and more if you can).
Basic Computers
Learn how to use a word processor, email, internet (and spreadsheet). This course covers some of the topics over 10 weeks. It is aimed at people who have some experience of computers, who have tried to use a mouse and keyboard a little.
OCR Accredited Courses:
OCR ITQ (Information Technology Qualification) Levels 1 and 2 Certificate and Diploma
Note: From Jan to Aug 2011, there is a transition from OCR CLAiT (Computer Literacy and Information Technology) Level 1 and OCR CLAiT PLUS Level 2 to the ITQ Levels 1 and 2. Recognised by employers; useful skills for at home and work.
OCR ITQ (CLAiT) Level 1
5 Practical Units available - Word Processing and File Management, Spreadsheets and Graphs, Databases, Desktop Publishing and PowerPoint presentations.
For users who have completed a compulsory Basic Computers course or have the equivalent experience of using computers. Study 1 Unit per term (approx 20 hours)
OCR ITQ (CLAiT PLUS) Level 2
5 practical Units available: Word Processing MS Word (mail merge, labels, tables, import pictures, graphs and data from spreadsheets), MS Excel Spreadsheets and Graphs, Databases MS Access, Slide Show Presentations MS PowerPoint and Electronic Communication MS Outlook (emails, calendar, address book, tasks and notes).
A follow on for those at Level 1 standard . Study 1 Unit per term (approx 25 hours)
(Similarities with BCS ECDL - European Computer Driving Licence).
Information Advice and Guidance
Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) for Work, Learning and Life
• Qualified and experienced NEXT STEP IAG Advisors - David, Linda and Dawn
• IAG Specialist, experienced in the probation service
• NEXT STEP Information and Advice service since 2004
• Matrix Accredited – for high standard Information, Advice and Guidance since 2004
(review Inspection June 2010)
Qualified and experienced NEXT STEP Advisors listen and give information and advice on issues relating to work, learning and life.
Looking for a job or change of career? Online job search, CV’s, job applications, covering letters
Want to find a training course?
Wish to take a skills diagnostics?
Not sure what you want to do? We can help you think and plan.
Contact David Williams to book (01622) 752751 or email david.williams_csc.thebeaconchurch.org
• 1 to 1 appointments by arrangement
• ‘Job Club’ employability preparation courses on Tuesdays
Costs
Course and Membership Fees (As of Jan 2011)–
Discounts - Please bring evidence to prove you are entitled to a discount. If payments are an issue, talk to Linda or tutor.
PRICES FROM JAN 2011
(CLAIT L1 and CLAIT PLUS L2 converting to ITQ = Information Technology Qualification)
All courses are subsidised for individuals, some may be FREE - subject to criteria.
If fees are an issue, talk to Linda or tutor.
Discount 1 Discount 2 Full Fee
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE £ 10 £ 15 £ 20
MONDAY DROP IN with drink £ 2 £ 2 £ 2
10 Week COURSES :
BEGINNERS £ 30 £ 50 £ 70
OCR CLAIT / ITQ Level 1 £ 60 £100 £200
OCR CLAIT PLUS / ITQ Level 2 £ 70 £120 £250
Tea / coffee & biscuit 50p 50p 50p
Discount 1 –Household income under £15275 and receives working tax credit.
– or on Council Tax or Housing Benefit; or JSA or Income Support
Discount 2 –Aged 60 or over, war widow(er) pension
– or Disability Living or Invalid Care or Severe Disability Allowance or Incapacity Benefit
Full Fee – Corporate Rate. Individuals with household income over £15275, not entitled to a discount as listed above
Our purpose is to allow and encourage people over the age of 16, and of all ethnic origins and religions to use the Centre to acquire basic IT skills, obtain access to the Internet and have the use of software packages which CS&JAC feel will benefit the users of the Centre.
It is our aim to create an environment which has a community of users who regularly come to use the IT equipment; meet each other in an informal manner, encourages self-help, the sharing of knowledge and generates a greater understanding of the use and benefits of information technology in our everyday lives.
Where possible CS&JAC personnel will assist and encourage all users to gain the maximum advantage of the Centre's facilities.
To view all CS&JAC Policies please download this PDF file
CSJAC Policy Document.pdf
Links
Here are some links to useful sites:
HTML Tutorials
CSS Tutorials
Free HTML Editing Tool
Contact Us
All Post To
c/o The Beacon Centre
10-11 Northumberland Court
Northumberland Road
Shepway, Maidstone
