Baptist Union Monthly Email - March 2026
Dear Friends,
Welcome to our new look monthly update focusing on one important initiative we hope you can share.
This month it’s videos and resources for the 1% more campaign.
Use the link baptist.org.uk/plus1 to share with your church
All of our Baptist Churches are asked to give 5% of their income to the Home Mission Appeal. This is all about helping Baptist churches and individuals to reach their mission potential and bring the love of God to their communities.
In 2026, we are inviting every Baptist church to give 'Plus 1% for Home Mission' an increase of just 1% on what you are currently giving. So, for example, if you gave 3% of your church’s annual general income to Home Mission in 2025, we’re inviting you to give 4% of your church’s annual general income to Home Mission in 2026.
The three short videos explore:
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How Home Mission funding supports healthy churches, pioneering mission, chaplaincies, and children, youth and families’ ministry across the Baptist Movement in the UK.
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Giving thanks to churches for their faithful giving and explains why the Baptist family is at a critical point.
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Did you know your church already saves hundreds, sometimes thousands of pounds each year through Home Mission?
For the coming month we would also like to share the following with you: The Baptist Assembly is fast approaching and we would love to see you there. An ongoing group offer is available.
Further news, resources and events are available below.
Wishing you all a blessed Easter in the communities you serve.
Baptist Resources
The April Prayer Diary is now available to download from our website.
Transform contains all the latest reference material for church ministers and leaders.
Utility Aid have create a resource on Collective Purchasing. Baptist Churches are under growing pressure from rising costs, increasing demand, and tighter budgets. Collective buying offers a smarter way to reduce energy costs — helping you protect funding and focus more resources on frontline services.
The Baptist Union of Great Britain with BMS World Mission have now launched a new church resource to help those considering an ongoing blessing to support God’s mission both in the UK and overseas. ‘I Will..’ aims to provide church leaders a way to help congregations reflect on their ongoing Kingdom legacy. The material is flexible and could be used for a one-off Sunday focus through to an entire series looking at Kingdom legacy. They include an opportunity to leave a gift to both organisations through a free online or over the phone Will writing service.
Events
The Black Light course, a programme exploring issues of race, faith, and justice through a Christian lens. It brings together diverse Christian leaders to reflect on the presence and contribution of Black people in the Bible, church history, and contemporary society. The course invites honest conversation about challenging themes, including racism, history, and identity, while encouraging unity, understanding, and partnership in the mission of God. Rather than seeking to place blame, it offers space to learn, reflect, and grow as followers of Jesus in a multi-ethnic society. The course especially welcomes church and ministry leaders. Find out more here.
The Baptist Historical Society Annual Lecture 2026 will take place on Wednesday 20 May at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, London. Professor Brian Stanley will present a lecture titled 'The Eloquence of Silence: What We Have Omitted to Say about Baptist Missions in an Age of Empire.' All are welcome to attend either in person or online. Register your place here to join this thoughtful exploration of Baptist history and mission.
Homelessness is more than losing a home — it often brings trauma, broken relationships, and a loss of identity. Hope into Action believes lasting change happens through community. At their 2026 Annual Conference, the Christian vision behind their work will be explored, tenants will share stories, and seminars will inspire practical responses rooted in hope. The conference is for volunteers, church leaders, professionals, investors, and anyone passionate about the church’s response to homelessness. Find out more and to book your place click here.
Encountering God’s Story, through scripture and one another - A retreat for children, young people, and family workers. Ministry is a joy, but the reality is that the work we carry can take its toll. We invite children, young people, and family workers from across Baptists Together as we gather to celebrate, seek God, and dwell together in His presence. Find out more about the retreat here.
Catch up with the latest Baptist Times stories here.
Whilst we’ve carefully chosen these resources and events because we hope they will be useful to you and your church family, we are not directly responsible for the content from other groups and organisations. The Monthly Update is sent monthly to all ministers in Baptist Union of GB churches, church secretaries, church treasurers, regional teams and other subscribers. If you would like to receive it by email, please subscribe by completing the 'Sign up to our newsletter' form below.