December 2016 / January 2017

December

Thursday 1st 1.00 pm Christmas Organ Recital with Stephen Perrins

Saturday 3rd 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm Messy Church

Sunday 11th 10.30 am Advent Carols and Communion

Thursday 15th 11.00 am _ 5.00 pm Christmas Tree festival Pop in for a mince pieFriday 16th 11.00 am – 5.00 pmSaturday 17th 11.00 am – 5.00 pm

Sunday 18th 6.30pm Candlelight Carol Service

Saturday 24th 3.00pm Crib Service Dressing up nativityChristmas Eve 11.15pm Christmas Eve Communion

Sunday 25th 10.30am Christmas CelebrationChristmas Day

Blessed Christmas

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Peggy Mullineux

Michael Staight married Nicolle Horton at Beeston Free Evangelical Church,

Nottingham, on Friday 28th October.

Brenda Mackey and family would like tothank all who attended Philip’s funeral andmemorial service; for cards, letters andmessages of sympathy, and also for donationsto Marie Curie and The British HeartFoundation totalling nearly £1,000. Wegreatly appreciate the love, care, and supportwe have received, and are continuing toreceive, from our Church friends.

Peggy had been with us for many years. It was in 1957 that she and her family joined Solihull Methodist Church and she worshipped regularly on Sunday morningsuntil her health began to fail about 2 yearsago.Peggy was nearly 94 when she died in October. She and her 2 older brothers were all born in Coventry and lived in a” two up-two down” rented house with an outside toilet. They were relatively poor particularly during the Great Depression, but supplemented their income by growing vegetables in their long back garden. Peggy had happy memories of those years, playing outside with other local children with more freedom than is allowed today. Peggy attended Centaur Road School and was awarded the prize for Best Improver at the end of her first year. She left school at 14 and immediately began a job in the motor industry with Triumph, working in a variety of departments and finally in the Showrooms. Later she moved to the Standard Motor Company Accounts Department where she continued to work during the war. On 3rd September 1939 she was at a service in Coventry Central Hall when it was announced to the congregation that war had been declared. Peggy had vivid memories of the fatal bombing of Coventry in November 1940; the incredible noise of explosions and subsequent devastation including the destruction of Coventry Cathedral.It was during the war that Peggy met Norman at Coventry Central Hall. He had just completed his Maths degree at Manchester University and, instead of joining the RAF, he was sent to Armstrong Siddeley to help in solving problems with their aircraft engines. After an extended courtship Peggy and Norman were married in 1948.They moved to Southampton where Norman was appointed as a Maths lecturer at the university. This was a happy time particularly at the Methodist Church where they were soon involved in many activities and made lasting friendships. Their two children, Glen and Kim, were both born in Southampton. The family moved to Solihull in 1957 and immediately joined Solihull Methodist Church. Peggy helped with setting up the Young Wives group which was eventually succeeded by Contact where she became a regular member.Peggy made close friendships within the church family. EveryTuesday she met Morag Smith, Val Costard and Rita Martin for morning coffee - a regular get-together which continued even during the final 18 months of Peggy’s life when she was in Ardenlea Nursing Home.Friends have described her as a kind, fun-loving and even bubbly lady with a great sense of humour and always interested in other people. She was very good with children, especially with her two grandchildren Francesca and Lawson of whom she was very proud. Anyone who went to see her found her a joy to visit. Her strong

Christian faith was very important to her. The conclusion of Kim’s moving tribute to her Mum at the Thanksgiving Service is worth repeating -“Say not in grief that she is no more, but live in thankfulness that she

was”. Sylvia Bailey

Thank you

Revd Ken Howcroft

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Are you looking forward to Christmas? Are you on schedule with your preparations? Does even asking those questions make you feel excited? Or sad and Depressed? Or does it make you feel guilty and start to turn you into a quivering wreck of anxiety?

I am sure that we could make a lot of money if we produced an Advent calendar where you open a door each day and find the task that you are meant to have done by the end of that day if you are going to arrive at Christmas on time. It would actually begin on the Sunday before Advent with “Stir Up Sunday” when you are meant to stir up the mixture for the Christmas puddings, or at least stir your stumps to go and buy them from the supermarket. Then it would go on to tell you when to buy the presents; write the cards; work out what news and jokes to put in a round-robin letter; sort out who in your family and friends is going to be where, when; work out who is going to sleep where, when; cook or buy masses of food; make or buy in lots of drink; dust off the carol sheets; try to remember the rules of the traditional games; and rehearse your ‘spontaneous’ party piece.

But this calendar would then continue after Christmas, with days for taking back to the shops the unappreciated or ill-fitting gifts of clothes; going to the sales; doing major DIY projects; thinking of new year’s resolutions that you might just be able to keep; going to and then trying to remember the New Year’s parties… and so on.

If where your heart is and where your energy goes tells you, as Jesus suggested, what you treasure the most, it is those things that will be the most important for us over the next few weeks. It is easy for them to take over, partly because it is easier for us to identify them and get our minds round them.

It is harder to remember the Christian story (which all those things are meant to celebrate), and to let it become real for us. It is harder to follow the calendar of that story.

This calendar begins with a time of getting ourselves, our church and the world ready to receive afresh the good news of God’s love coming to us all, embracing us, filling us with light and life and joy. We prepare ourselves to celebrate that Jesus was born over two thousand years ago to show us in human ways that God’s love, which was there in the creation of the world in the beginning, is here for each one of us now. We prepare to celebrate the promise that, if and when the world as we know it comes to an end, Jesus will still come to us to show us that the same love for God is there for us in and through it all. We celebrate that the same Jesus comes to us now, knocking on the door of our hearts; and we open ourselves to receive him.

That is what you can call a Real Advent! It leads to an incredibly rich experience of Christmas.

The world and life can sometimes look bright,but sometimes seem dark.

Whoever we are and however we feel,quietly, almost unnoticed,God comes to be with us,

as a tiny baby,placed into our hands.

His face lights up our way.Such joy.

Come and see!

In this Messenger you will find details of various events through which we shall prepare for and anticipate Christmas. The season can be a hectic time for those with family and friends. It can also be a lonely time for those without them, and a sad one for those who have lost loved ones (for whatever reason) in the last year or two. Whichever you are, we know of good news of love and joy. Whether you open the door of a full and busy heart, or an empty one, God’s love is here for you. Come and see!

COVENANT SUNDAY

Before Christmas, we prepare for and anticipate it. But that does not end on Boxing Day. The danger is that by preparing and anticipating it, we start to think that we have dealt with it. Anticipating the gift of God’s love at Christmas is not the same as accepting it and engaging with it.

The full celebration of Christmas begins on Christmas Eve and goes through to the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th, when the glory of God in the face of Jesus shines at its fullest for the whole world.

Around the time of the Epiphany (Sunday 8 January this year) we hold a Covenant Service. This is the unique centrepiece of the Methodist tradition of devotion and discipleship. In it we accept God’s love, and recognise our need of it. In it we also commit ourselves to love God and love God’s world in return.

The first Methodists were known as the “Holy Club” because of their holy habits. They knew that if we practice loving, it will gradually become instinctive for us to love. To help them practice, they had a “Method”.

The Covenant service was at the heart of that “method”. It provides a means of helping us to hear God's offer and challenge to us more deeply; and of helping us to allow God to enable us to respond.

Come and try it! It is incredibly moving. Even if you are not sure whether you want to join in or not, you can come to observe. Come and see!

Ken Howcroft

It’s nearer than you think!

“One Programme” project update No applications were received. We shall have to consider whether to put the project forward again next year.Church energy use The Church should be thinking about how we can reduce our energy uses in line with the Methodist Church’s commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.Disabled toiletsThe legacy left by Jean Okey will improve disabled toilet facilities. By matching the legacy with reserves from the property fund both disabled toilets can be refurbished simultaneously thus making a saving.Car Parking Protocols were accepted All items being approved it is the Council’s responsibility to help get the message across to members and users of the facilities. (see next page for the full protocol)Giving Appeal - update 66 people had responded of which 38 increased their giving – to a value of £1,000 per month (pre Gift Aid)Draft Accounts 2015-16 Income is £14,000 better than budgeted – mainly from increased collections. Income from church lettings was lower than budget and the Property team are currently looking for reasons.Council approved the release of additional £4,000 to fund the refurbishment of the Disabled toiletsRevised Budget 2016-17 was approvedThe bucket collection for the Syrian refugees raised just over £3,000

Tina Brooker – circuit roleCouncil watched a video showing the team visiting each church in our Circuit who need practical help in realising their own ideas when they are short of youth leadership.There are many events lined up both in Solihull and in the Birmingham CircuitSunday Morning Activities for Children and Young People The proposal to change the name of the Sunday Morning activities to “Young Church” was approvedChurch Anniversary 2017We shall be exhibiting pictures from the Methodist Modern Art Collection in September 2017. Some pictures will be in the church, and some in the Courtyard Gallery of Solihull Library. We shall need as much support as possible to steward the viewing of these valuable pieces of art.Church Copyright Licence It was agreed that this should be managed through the Communications Group in the first instance but that some legal expertise is required.Circuit and Connexional MattersThe Circuit’s finances and budgets show a deficit budget due to the requirement to use up existing reserves (in line with Charity Commission recommendations). Reserves will be at the recommended level at the end of 2019/20 financial year. The Group within the Circuit will be looking at this and our expertise in this area should be input into that conversation.

Every year Margaret Rumens comes up with another interpretive design to prompt our thoughts on Remembrance Sunday. This year’s design is simpler than many we have seen, with our Peace and Hope candle alight in the background. It was designed and positioned so that it prompted thought as we went forward for Communion

Look first at the base to see the fallen leaves and a poppy amongst the scarred grass and wood fragments. From this devastation springs forth a new growth of hope in the poppies

The design came from a line in “The Strangest Dream”, “While swords and guns and uniforms were scattered on the ground”. In the song this is celebrating an end to war. However the design is in the modern style popular on the continent reflecting that sadly in spite of all these lessons war is still with us today.

They shall grow not old,as we that are left grow old;age shall not weary them,nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sunand in the morning,We will remember them.We will remember them 4

The Church Stewards asked the Property Committee set up a team to look at Parking Protocol. The aim is not to over-regulate, but to create a common understanding and practice which will allow for maximum ease of use. The group submitted recommendations which were approved at the October Church Council meeting. This is a summary.

RECOMMENDATIONS1. Church Car Park Badges, who should they be issued to, extent of use and should any payment be made.That the current method of registration and issue through the Church Office be continued.Car Park badges to be issued to regular worshippers only, with the exception highlighted in the next paragraph, and not to relations or friends of Church Members.The Minister and or The Stewards to have the authority to allow other local Ministers / Circuit representatives to use the Car Park and ensure they are issued a Car Park badge.The Church should accept any voluntary donations from regular worshippers. Upon receipt of the Car Park Badge a supporting letter should be given to the regular worshippers stating that it does not guarantee them a parking space, and that on known days of very heavy Car Park usage every effort should be made to find alternative places to park. This message should be communicated to all regular worshippers.

2. Use of Car Park by Groups using our property.All non-Church Groups hiring a room or rooms, sign a Terms

and Conditions form, which emphasises that spaces numbered 1 to 20 are reserved. They should not be used by visiting Groups. The remaining car park spaces are for use by those currently attending worship or meetings in the Church and / or the Community Centre. It is recommended that less able patrons are given priority and that those who can, park in the leisure centre car park over the road, which is free of charge.To make their group aware that parking may not be available on days the premises are heavily used as the car park may be full. It is recommended that if a parking space is used that it will be for the duration of the meeting they are attending.On occasions they will request a space for guest speakers. Any requests must be submitted to the Letting Secretary, and any decision will be communicated to the non-Church Group and the Church Office,

3. Use of Car Park by people attending funerals, weddings and baptisms.If a clash with other groups cannot be avoided, then the clash

is notified to those groups. Where a very high number of attendees are expected, this is to be included in the Sunday Church notes, possibly given verbally as a notice at the start of the Sunday morning service or through the Prattle. Also emphasise the need to find alternative places to park.If a very high number of attendees is expected, then car park Marshals should be arranged to manage the parking of vehicles. If required, then specific parking spaces should be reserved for hearses, immediate family, wedding cars and for the Ministers leading the services.

4. Agreeing temporary car park arrangements, who has the authority to agree these and how they will be managed and communicated.

These requests are to be given to the Lettings Secretary who will review and decide what to do. When work is being carried out by contractors, the Property Steward will respond to requests for temporary allocation of car park spaces.Spaces may need to blocked off by using cones, tape, chairs or rope.

5. Letting of Car Park Spaces.Lettings should be on a short term basis, with an agreed

period of notice.All cars using rented spaces to display a pass or badge which clearly identifies who they are and from which company.

6. Parking Spaces for the Disabled and Groups dealing with frail people.That we add another parking for the disabled space close to the vestry door entrance on the Blossomfield Road side of the Church. If reserved parking spaces are thought to be necessary for frail and elderly users, then these requests are to be given to the Lettings Secretary who will review and decide what to do.

7. Dealing with rogue car parkingWhen the incidence of ‘rogue car parking’ is seen to have increased carry out early morning car park patrols.When a ‘rogue’ parker is identified a polite notice (type 1 and 1a) is placed on the car windscreen and the time, date, registration number and description of the vehicle is recorded. If the ‘rogue parker’ continues to park on a regular basis issue polite notice type 1 or 1a up to 3 more times.If the ‘rogue parker’ still continues to use the car park then issue notice type 2. This directly warns that we are likely to trace the keeper and start imposing charges if unauthorised parking continues.

8. What to do when so many activities coincide that the car park will be full.Before taking on any new room lettings the Lettings Secretary will highlight any potential clash which may result in the overloading of the car park, and try to steer the requestor to a time and day that does not overload the car park.If this is not possible then inform all other groups of the likely clash and inform the Church Office.Ask the other groups and the requestor of the new room letting to advise that their members should try to find alternative car parking, suggesting Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, where parking is free.Also where an existing groups membership grows and puts pressure on the car park, then again suggest to all groups that use the premises at that time, that they try to find alternative parking as above.

9. Escalation Process to manage and resolve car park issues such as overcrowding and disputes over temporary allocation of parking spaces.Any dispute should be brought to the attention of the Lettings

Secretary.The Lettings Secretary has the authority to decide on the resolution of the issue and communicate to the various parties.In the absence of the Letting Secretary then this authority can be given to the Minister, Stewards, Property Steward and Chair of the Property Committee.

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The group of Methodist churches in the Birmingham area is called the Birmingham Circuit. The Circuit Strategy Group commissioned by the Circuit Executive is asking for the church’s thoughts and opinions as they enter an important phase of strategic thinking and asking the question; where as a circuit do we put our resources? This process is led by the desire to look to the future positively and consider how we can now build on Holy Habits. The circuit has been nationally trendsetting and it would really like to continue to be a circuit with big ambitions in mission and ministry. This is to be at the forefront of what God is doing in our city and our nation. The circuit’s ministry has to be informed in part, although not defined by, circuit finances. Four years ago when there was a large amount of money in their Model Trust Fund, it was decided to invest in mission. Building projects were supported and paid personnel were brought in . Now the circuit needs to look at its future mission priorities in light of current resources.

The Circuit Assembly reminded everyone that the national Methodist Church describes a Circuit as…

“The primary unit in which the local churches express and experience their interconnection in the Body of Christ for the purposes of mission, mutual encouragement and help. It is in the Circuit that presbyters, deacons and probationers are stationed and local preachers are trained, admitted and exercise their calling.

The purposes of the Circuit include the effective deployment of the resources of ministry which include people, property and finance as they relate to the Methodist Churches in the Circuit, to churches of other denominations and to participation in the life of the communities served by the Circuit.”

The challenge is how to enable the potential for

churches to do something new and faithful in their communities. The present financial resources have to be taken into account and there is a possibility of having to reduce ministerial staff because of a Connexional shortage.

With this in mind and as the circuit considers how to use the shared resources, the circuit would like your help in gathering the opinions of your church.

The questions the circuit would like responses s to are:-

• How do you see God working through your church and in your community?

• What do you think God’s vision for your church and community is over the next five years?

• What within church and circuit life most encourages this ministry?

• What within church and circuit life holds back this ministry?

There are some listening meetings

• Tuesday 29th November, 7-9pm at Great Barr Methodist Church,

• Wednesday 30th November, 10am-12pm at Solihull Methodist Church,

• Saturday 3rd December, 10am-12pm at both Selly Oak Methodist Church or South Yardley Methodist Church

If you miss these meetings can you please send your comments to the stewards by 31st December

As the new year starts on a Sunday, our New Year’s Day Walk will take place onMonday 2nd January, which is a Bank Holiday.

We hope that many families and friends will be able to participate and we will meetat 10.00 am in the Knowle Public Car Park behind the Parish Church. If you are driving from Solihull along Warwick Road you will find the car park by turning left immediately before the Greswolde Hotel. Then turn right to pass the rear of the hotel. The car park is another 50 yards on the left. You are allowed 3 hours free parking provided that you are displaying a ticket to avoid a fine.

We shall be enjoying 3 miles of countryside which is unfortunately not suitable for pushchairs. There may also be a few stiles. Waterproof boots or wellies would be the safest form of footwear.

After the walk we are invited for soup, mince pies and fellowship at the Manse. All are welcome. Enquiries to Martin.

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We are embarking on a new project as a circuit, the running of a Social Justice Network and we'd love you to consider being involved, as well as promoting it in your churches.

1. On the circuit website there are now ways in which it is possible to find out how to get involved in making a difference in four main areas of Birmingham life. You can visit the home page or you can look at the four green boxes below to see the different priorities we

have selected to launch the network. This is also a great place to send friends who are interested in making a difference.

2. We are also starting to connect up our network of people interested in social justice. If you're interested in social justice and would like to be involved, simply send us an email and we'll connect you in.

Neil Johnson and Tom Milton

The NetworkAs well as being a resource of local information on our priority areas, see below, we also hope to create a supportive network of those interested in Social Justice. More information is coming soon, if you would like to be involved then please do get in touch with us by emailing socialjustice@birminghammethodistcircuit.org.uk

Our Priority AreasWe have selected four priority areas within which we would like to make a difference in our city. Within each of these areas you will find ideas and ways in which you can get involved in making a difference, whether you are a Methodist or not, by praying, volunteering, giving money, or campaigning.We hope that whoever you are you will find many helpful ways in which to get involved in each of these areas. We cannot all do everything, but together all of us might make a significant difference in our city by doing what we can.

HomelessnessThe number of people in our city who are homeless is rising, find out more about this issue here, as well as how you can best get involved.

Refugees and Asylum Seekers 65 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes, the UN estimates that 86% of those people are sheltered by developing countries. How can we play our part?

Climate ChangeClimate change is a global issue which everyone faces, find out more information below about how you can get involved in making a difference.

Tax JusticeA global issue that must be faced internationally, how can we put pressure on our government to make headway in this vital area?

IntroductionMethodism at its very heart is a movement which has always sought to walk alongside those who were marginalised by society and which fought for justice and fairness. These values are those which we also hold very dear today.There is a section of the website for you to get involved, whether you'd call yourself a Methodist or not, in the important work of making a difference in our city. Scroll down for the opportunity to join a network of like minded people as well as information on the four main priorities we have chosen to focus on this year. Here you will find how you might get involved in a variety of different ways with these key issues.

https://www.birminghammethodistcircuit.org.uk/get-involved/

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We had a great First Aid evening with Sarah's husband, Dr Robin Tall, Consultant Paediatricianat the Birmingham Children's Hospital. So many people from our community came to hear about first aid for babies and children.

Robin gave a very practical helpful talk on what to do in situations if your child gets a rash, a bumped head, cuts and bruises and lots more advice and tips for everyday first aid in the home.

We had a break for refreshments and chat and finished with a Q&A session.

Thank you Robin for coming. Another great community evening hosted by Solihull Methodist Family Team.

Tina Brooker

This is a new initiative to reach out to our Community with God’s Love.

We are celebrating the Launch of this venture with a

New Year Party on

Thursday 5th Jan 2pm.Entertainment will be provided by the Merlins

and Afternoon Tea is included.

Please invite any friends or neighbours particularly people on their own who would like

to join us for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. There is no charge although

donations are welcome.

Can you help make this new venture a success? If you can offer just a few hours, once every 6

weeks, it would be most appreciated.

Please get in touch with Diane Webb. networking @solihull-methodist.org.uk

Coleshill Churches Together are once again doing the Journey to the Stable, when Year 2 Classes from Coleshill and the surrounding area are invited to come and share in the Nativity Story and have an encounter with the Innkeeper as they journey to the Farm to visit the Holy Family in the Stable. Over the three days (7th/8th and 9th

December) over 400 children will have shared in the Journey. Speak to Diane Webb for more details.

Come and Join as we sing

‘Carols in the Stable’ on

Sunday 11th December 5pm at Southfields Farm, Packington Lane,

Coleshill, B46 3EJ. All Welcome.

Saturday 3rd December 10.30 amat Four Oaks Methodist Church

Rev Hannah Bucke will speak onMoving into the Neighbourhood

Dr Robin Tall

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This has been another very successful year for our Shoebox Appeal. We have collected 108 boxes which is an excellent response. Well done and a very big thank you to everyone who donated shoeboxes. Also, this year for the first time, we have been collecting ‘fillers’, featuring different items each month, such as soap, toothbrushes, pencils, notebooks etc. The response has been overwhelming with a very large collection of gifts. These will all be very welcome at the warehouse to add to under-filled shoeboxes. A huge thank you to you all for these gifts and also to all ‘knitters’ for producing 161 hats plus gloves, bags and purses. Keep knitting!! Patterns are always available in the church and church hall.Please continue to support this worthwhile appeal THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. Starting in February we will once again be collecting ‘filler’ items, so keep an eye on the Shoebox notice board in the church hall for the monthly gift suggestions. Collection boxes will be in the church vestibule and church hall foyer. Always remember please to keep saving all your empty shoeboxes. Your simple gifts deliver hope, joy and love to hurting and needy children at Christmas.

Christine Cooke

We were privileged to have our good friend Barry Davis from Lyndon Methodist play at the November Recital. Barry has played the organ since he was 21 and has been organist at Lyndon Methodist Church for 47 years. It was appropriate that his programme included quite a bit under the Wesley name. However he started with the Bach Dorian Toccatta written without a key signature and good exercise for arms criss-crossing.Then on to Sam Wesley (Charles’ brother) and his Old English Melody which is a pleasant air reminding you of an evening stroll in the summer countryside. Charles Junior followed for part of his No 4 concerto with its Mozart-like form and fascinating variants on a theme. On again to Sam Sebastian with a delightful tune which would make an excellent hymn, which was an air for Holsworthy Church near Exeter and which is based on their bells Lastly a blast to end. Rheinberger set out to write 24 sonatas but only got to 20 before departing this mortal coil. We heard part of No 8. What a lively piece for blowing the dust from the organ pipes Thank you Barry. Lawrie Rumens

Saturday 21st January,

3.30 -6.30 pm

Games, hot buffet,and talent show

Cost £8 per adultChildren free

Proceeds to

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GREEN TIP –MAKE YOUR OWN GIFT BAG! I am indebted to Diane Horsler for this lovely idea. Diane has taken a plain TraidCraft carrier bag and decorated it with some left over wrapping paper to make it a really attractive container for all sorts of Christmas (and other) presents. You need two pieces of gift wrap 10" wide x 13.5" long for front and back, and two pieces 4.5" wide x 13.5" long for the sides.Glue the gift wrap into place with a glue stick.

AFTER CHRISTMASBIG NEW YEAR RECYCLEOnce again we will be collecting serviceable but unwanted clothing for the local heart Foundation shop; shoes, especially men’s shoes, for Solihull Welcome, the drop in centre for asylum seekers awaiting decisions on their future; and wool to be woven into layettes and shawls for Ethiopian women and their babies by a group linked to Selly Oak Methodist.

RSPB BIRD WATCHOnce again, too, we would like as many as possible to spend one hour in the last weekend in January counting birds who come into the garden. Linda Innes has all the details, or try the RSPB website.

NEXT GREENER CHURCH MEETINGThe Group meets next on Tuesday 10th January from 7.30 pm at 15, Parklands, Blossomfield Road. This is just a reminder that anyone is welcome to come along, to listen or participate, or to suggest good ideas beforehand. Contact Richard Balmer Richard Balmer

Did you know that you can rent a real Christmas tree? One that has been rented out before and after Christmas will be returned to the ground to grow some more and then be rented out again next year.

Before last Christmas I’d never heard of this scheme. Unfortunately no companies in our immediate vicinity run such a scheme as far as I know. There are a number in the south-east and the nearest to us is the Cotswold Fir Company which has a number of outlets in the Gloucester area. We shall collect ours before attending a carol service in Gloucester Cathedral on 13th December though for an extra payment a tree can be delivered to this area.

If you are buying a Christmas tree this year from a local company, why not ask them if they can start a similar scheme in the future? Or for more details about the Gloucester scheme, go to http://cotswoldfir.com

Linda Innes

Family Fun Time

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The time has come for an additional, alternative response by our country to the crisis of Syrian and other refugees.

The existing measures supported by our government are to be commended. In particular, the ideas based upon the Canadian scheme, of not only providing accommodation for refugees but also all-inclusive support, are admirable.

But they are a droplet in the ocean.

What we now need is a second, back-up system whereby, country-wide, we create ‘village camps’ for groups of, say, up to 100 refugees who would agree to come over together and set up their own communities. They could be guaranteed ten years in this country, before the camps are demolished.

Cruise ships could bring a thousand or more people over at a time.

Land could be loaned from country estates and other open spaces.

Caravans, portaloos and water-tanks could be provided for immediate basic living facilities. It would then be for these village communities to build up and operate other facilities, such as schools and work-places, which they would manage themselves within the camps, with minimal support from host communities.

Thus, the folk in the villages would fend for themselves, as far as possible. The example of that camp in Jordan shown on TV, and the magnificent example of Albania in providing land for the communities of Iranians who fled to Camp Ashraf and then to Camp Liberty in Iraq, show how it can be done.

The key feature would be that these temporarycommunities – for what refugees do not want to return

to their own country as soon as it is safe for them to do so? – would be alongside, rather than integrated into, our own communities. So there would be no question of them taking housing or jobs that members of the host community feel they should be having.

The Methodist Church could introduce a system of ‘tithing’, whereby one member in ten of every congregation is given the task of liaising with and supporting these village communities, and take the lead in enabling others of whatever faith or none who wish to help – of whom there is ample evidence there are very many – to do so.

All this could be legislated for almost immediately, and families brought over within a matter of months.

For us in this rich country to stand by and do nothing more than the tiny amount we are doing at present, in the face of such gigantic need, is a denial of the love of the God we worship.

Let’s at least start a debate! John Innes

Refugee Crisis

In response to requests from our audience members, SMASH is setting up an online box office. You will be able to choose the seats you want, and book and pay for them online by credit/debit card. The online box office will open on 8th

January via the SMASH website (www.solihull-smash.org.uk).

Tickets may also be ordered and paid for by cash/cheque in person from the box office in the Church Hall after Sunday morning services from 8th January.

This musical version of C S Lewis's classic story will be performed in the Church (but in a different configuration from last year's Children of Eden) on Wednesday-Friday 29th-31st March at 7:30 pm and Saturday 1st April at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Please make a note on your New Year's calendar of when online booking opens - from what we've heard, demand for tickets will be high.

The Messenger Team

Sue Balmer, Sue Bates, Bryan Fitter, Jeff Horton, Revd Ken Howcroft, Bill Penny and Lawrie

Rumens.

Material for publication tomessenger@solihull-methodist.org.uk

We reserve the right to edit articles if necessary.Please send photographs separately as jpeg files.

NB. Last date for February Messenger items is 8th January

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Annual Men’s LunchThe Men’s Coffee Club met for their annual lunch last month at the Bridge Club.. They invited the ladies as usual and then Ann Pardoe was called as their speaker this year – for the first time it was not a chap. What a tour de forceAnn asked if “we really know one another”. How well do we know what makes people around us what they are and what is important to them? We make assumptions about each other; we label people someone’s wife; yet we all have a name and we are all unique and important. A recent pastoral training day was about listening skills and Ann was about to put them to the testSo she had them turn to the next person and tell them something about themselves

that they would not be likely to know.Lightening the afternoon she told us things of herself which had everyone in stitches. She also told of her service for Methodism nationally serving to improve the training and development of Ministers as people.We all come with gifts and we need to know each other well enough to harvest them; we need to learn names and call people by them; above all, we need to value each other more

For as Ann told them, as we know each other more so we make God known to ourselves and others more.

Lawrie Rumens

Ann Pardoe

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Tina BrookerYouth, Family and Community worker

Stella StaightChurch Administrator

Sian Musgreave-SpibyFinance and Clerical Assistant

Church Office0121 705 7367

Chris GilesPastoral Coordinator

Diane WebbPastoral and Community Worker

Church Team

Revd Ken HowcroftMinister

Pastoral Visitors Re dedication Service

The morning service on 6th

November included the dedication of the pastoral visitors in our church. This group of people regularly visit those associated with the church and deliver the Messenger to them each month.

Pastoral Visitors are

Shirley AldridgeEileen AllenSylvia BaileyFiona BeadleEleonore BeatonPam BeattieMargery BensonPeter BensonMolly BirdMary BuckelsRichard BurrReg Bywell

Ann Carol CarringtonRoy and Stella ClemasChristine and Martin CookeIrene DavidsonJoan DaviesChris GilesDerek GilesIoanna HamKaren HandfordElaine HarrisAndrew Hawker

Margaret HughesTim IlesSheila KirbyJenni KitsonJoyce KnightJudy LingardYanny MacaulaySue MackenzieSue MaskellDenys and Margaret NicolAnn Pardoe

Joan ParmanGillian PennyAnn PolsonClive SaundersJanet SinclairMorag SmithAnne and Peter StoakleyAlison TuckerVic WhiteCedric WoodwardMaggie Woolley

December / January Diary

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdaySunday

11.00 Organ Recital

6.30 Cubs

8.15 Badminton

27.00 EN.R.G

Youth Club

7.30 Guild Methodism in Ireland today

310.30 MIWB winter meeting at Four Oaks Methodist church

49.00 HolyCommunion

Rev Ken Howcroft

10.30 Toy service Rev Peter Bates

8.00 Prayer space

510.15 Jelly Babies

1.15 Jelly Tots

7.30 Scouts

69.30 Holy Communion10.15 Contact Choir10.30 Men’s

Coffee morning1.30 Keep Fit5.50 Brownies6.00 Rainbows

710.00 Morning

prayers10 – 12 Drop in coffee

12.30 for 1.00 Soupa Talks Christmas Lunch at the Holiday Inn

86.30 Cubs

8.15 Badminton

97.00 EN.R.G

Youth Club

7.30 Guild My Life as a tour guide

109.00 Saturday Dads

11 10.30 Holy communion and advent carols Rev Ken Howcroft

1210.15 Jelly Babies

1.15 Jelly Tots

7.30 Scouts

139.30 Holy Communion10.15 Contact Choir10.30 Men’s

Coffee morning1.30 Keep Fit5.50 Brownies6.00 Rainbows

1410.00 Morning

prayers

10 – 12 Drop in coffee

1511 – 5 Christmas Tree Festival

6.30 Cubs

8.15 Badminton

1611 – 5 Christmas Tree Festival

5.30 – 6.30 Carol singing

7.00 EN.R.GYouth Club

7.30 Guild Buses chaplain

1711 – 5 Christmas Tree Festival

1810.30 Morning Service Rev Nigel Collinson

6.30 Candlelight carol service

1910.15 Jelly Babies

1.15 Jelly Tots

7.30 Scouts

209.30 Holy Communion10.15 Contact Choir10.30 Men’s

Coffee morning1.30 Keep Fit5.50 Brownies6.00 Rainbows

2110.00 Morning

prayers

22 237.30 Guild Christmas Miscellany

24 Christmas Eve

3.00 Crib Service

11.15 Christmas Communion

25 Christmas Day

10.30 Christmas Celebration

26 27 28 29 30 31

1 January 9.00 HolyCommunion Rev

Ken Howcroft10.30 Morning

service Eric Fawthrop

210.00 New Years Day Walk

39.30 Holy Communion

10.30 Men’sCoffee morning

4 51.00 Organ Recital

2.00 Thursday Café

6.30 Cubs

8.15 Badminton

67.00 EN.R.G

Youth Club

7.30 Guild New Year Buffet

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14 Printed by Additional Curates Society

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdaySunday

8 January10.30 Covenant

service and Holy communion Rev Ken Howcroft

910.15 Jelly Babies

1.15 Jelly Tots

7.30 Scouts

109.30 Holy Communion10.15 Contact Choir10.30 Men’s

Coffee morning1.30 Keep Fit5.50 Brownies6.00 Rainbows

1110.00 Morning

prayers10 – 12 Drop in coffee

1.00 Soupa TalksSaving Warwickshire Wildlife

126.30 Cubs

8.15 Badminton

137.00 EN.R.G

Youth Club

7.30 Guild The Jennens Cup

149.00 Saturday Dads

1510.30 Morningservice Rev Donald Ker

6.30 Healing and Holy communion service Rev Ken Howcroft

1610.15 Jelly Babies

1.15 Jelly Tots

7.30 Scouts

179.30 Holy Communion10.15 Contact Choir10.30 Men’s

Coffee morning1.30 Keep Fit5.50 Brownies6.00 Rainbows

1810.00 Morning

prayers

10 – 12 Drop in coffee

12.30 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Bring and Share Lunch at Christ church

192.00 Thursday Café

6.30 Cubs

8.15 Badminton

207.00 EN.R.G

Youth Club

7.30 Guild Solihull Faith Action Audit

213 – 6 Family Fun time in aid of Action for Children

2210.30 Morning Service Rev Ken Howcroft

6.30 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service at Christ Church

2310.15 Jelly Babies

1.15 Jelly Tots

7.30 Scouts

249.30 Holy Communion10.15 Contact Choir10.30 Men’s

Coffee morning1.30 Keep Fit5.50 Brownies6.00 Rainbows

2510.00 Morning

prayers

1.00 Soupa Talks

Birmingham Dogs’ Home

266.30 Cubs

8.15 Badminton

277.00 EN.R.G

Youth Club

7.30 Guild William Shenstone

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2910.30 Morning Service Rev David Butterworth

3010.15 Jelly Babies

1.15 Jelly Tots

7.30 Scouts

319.30 Holy Communion10.15 Contact Choir10.30 Men’s

Coffee morning1.30 Keep Fit5.50 Brownies6.00 Rainbows

15 Printed by Additional Curates Society

Covenant ServiceSunday 8th January

10.30 am

See Minister’s Message on page 3

Solihull Faith Forum utilised our newly refurbished sanctuary for their major event in Interfaith Week in November. Almost 100 visitors from everywhere enjoyed a really meaningful evening. The new coffee area enabled guests to happily share nibbles and welcome handshakes before the presentations commenced. Revd David Butterworth was one of the guests as much of his Birmingham District ministry has significant Interfaith connections. He said, 'the profound friendliness and joy was so vitally evident with friends from every culture/faith, sung prayers, dancing, renditions of Olde English folk lore rhyme and huge appreciation of inclusion and each other'.

Revd David Butterworth

Interfaith Week

www.solihull-methodist.org.uk

Blossomfield RoadSolihull

0121 705 7367

Car Wash Team

Plant stall helpers

In this issueChurch Family News

Peggy Mullineux

Church Council Report

Car parking protocol

Circuit Strategy Consultation

Social Justice

First Aid Workshop

Thursday café

Journey to the Stable

Christmas shoeboxes

November Organ Recital

Green tip Refugee Crisis

SMASH

Annual Men’s Lunch

Pastoral Visitors Rededication

Interfaith Week

Many congratulations to the local branch of Parkinson’s UK that regularly meets in our Hall. The Branch has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary ServiceThe formal award ceremony took place in the Civic Suite on October 26. In this picture Barbara is holding the crystal award and Maggie the certificate from the Queen

Come down on a Tuesday morning and they will tell you more –and you can volunteer to help as well

£620 was raised for the Bible Society from the concert performed by the AD concert Band in the church in November.Janet and Ian Sinclair are grateful to Katie Okafor who spoke about the work of the Bible Society. They would also like to thank church members for their help and support in providing refreshments, sound and projection team and also to John and Sue Davidson who came all the way from Leicestershire to help.

Concert for the Bible Society

The winning quiz team

AD concert Band

There was a full house for the Family Quiz Night with Fish and Chips for JMA (Junior Missions for All). We knew we were in for a stern test when we saw the examination board (The Gilyeads and the Collnisons) spread out along the stage looking down with the expressions of the sternest of invigilators. There were 7 rounds testing everyone’s grey cells including a round where an outline of a country had to be identified and a final round finding the headlines in a newspaper. This last round was against the clock and we were only spared further searching when the supper arrived. After supper Edna Handley outlined the history of JMA. A good evening with over £300 raised for JMA.