The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church

Mr Bruce Hales, senior elder of our Church, has appeared at the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters to set out the fact that he was not involved in the 2025 election.

Our Church has deep concerns about the precedent of faith leaders being called to answer for the political choices of private individuals who share their faith.

We would not expect senior members of any other faith to be required to appear at a parliamentary inquiry to answer such questions.

We share the fears of other faith groups that while this has started with our Church, left unchecked it won’t end with our church.

Watch Mr Hales' opening statement in full.

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A beautiful duet performance of “The Last Date”, showcasing the harmony and musical talent of our Brethren musicians. The Voices of Brethren series highlights the musical talent and creativity found throughout the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. The Voices of Brethren series celebrates the faith, creativity and musical talent of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church's global community of more than 55,000 members.

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Kindness and compassion are at the heart of volunteering for James Van As.

By supporting the work of the Rapid Relief Team, the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, James is able to put his Christian values into practice and help people through times of need or difficulty.

He says there is a real sense of achievement in knowing that your actions have helped somebody else and shown the “Christian spirit of kindness and compassion to mankind”.
Watch James share what volunteering means to him.

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What does faith look like in action? For Jason Guest, it means stepping beyond yourself, thinking about other people and finding a practical way to give back.

Through volunteering with the Rapid Relief Team, the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, Jason helps recognise people whose vital contributions can sometimes be overlooked – from police officers and firefighters to doctors, nurses and care workers.
“It takes you away from yourself and gives you an opportunity to genuinely think about other people and the amazing things they’re doing”

Jason describes volunteering as an “unmissable experience” that enables him to show his appreciation and celebrate the important work these groups do every day.

Listen to Jason explain why volunteering provides such a powerful connection with his faith.

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In 2022, Tony Van As reached an emotional and physical rock bottom. Then, as he describes it, he had a remarkable spiritual experience which set him on the path to recovery. Now he wants to help others. He joins us for another episode of Behind the Plymouth Brethren – a not-so Exclusive podcast, to speak about his experience with alcoholism and how he was helped by his family, his faith, and other recovering alcoholics he met through AA.

If you're impacted by alcoholism, help is available. Visit AA.org or Al-anon.org for more information.

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Inspired by her faith and grateful for the kindness she has experienced in her own life, Laila sees volunteering as an opportunity to give that kindness to others.

She has seen first-hand how a hot meal, a friendly conversation or even a simple smile can make a meaningful difference to somebody experiencing a difficult time.

This belief motivates Laila Griffiths to volunteer with the Rapid Relief Team, the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. At events supporting homelessness charities in Gloucester, she has helped provide meals and connect people with organisations that can offer further support.

Hear more from Laila in the video.

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Matthew Lynes has volunteered with the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, for more than 10 years, having first become involved when the RRT was starting out and supporting events in his local community.

Inspired by a longstanding interest in the work of the emergency services, Matthew wanted to give something back to those who put themselves on the line to protect others.
More than a decade later, that motivation remains at the heart of every event he supports.

Matthew says the feedback from those supported by RRT is phenomenal. Often, it is not simply the food and refreshments that make a difference, but the presence of the volunteers and the warmth of the recognisable “RRT smile”.

Hear more about what Matthew has to say about the positive impact of volunteering in the video.

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The Covid-19 lockdown marked a turning point for Ross Norman, inspiring a lasting passion for helping others.

During this challenging period, Ross recognised the need to support people in his village. He began checking in on elderly neighbours who were isolated and helping wherever he could, from cooking meals to providing lifts to hospital.

“It feels like it’s just part of who you are. There’s a scripture that speaks about the strong coming to the aid of the weak.”
Ross believes that everyone has a strength they can use to support others, and that, whoever you are, there will always be someone who can rely on your help.

Watch Ross’s story.

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Crispy toasted bread cases filled with creamy eggs, cheese and tender asparagus. An easy, elegant recipe that's perfect for brunch, lunch or entertaining guests. 🌿

✅ Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Total: 30 mins
✅ Serves: 4

Ingredients:

8 slices sandwich bread
Asparagus spears
Eggs
Grated cheese
Cream
Salt & pepper
Butter

Instructions:

1. Flatten bread slices and press into a greased muffin tin to form cases. Brush with butter and bake until lightly golden.
2. Arrange asparagus in each bread case. Whisk together eggs, cream, cheese, salt and pepper, then pour into the cases.
3. Bake until the filling is set and golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Perfect for brunches, gatherings or a simple family meal. Faith, family and food unite us at the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.

#BrethrenValues #PlymouthBrethrenBeliefs #PlymouthBrethrenRules

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