St James Brownhills and Holy Trinity Clayhanger

Transcription

1 St James Brownhills and Holy Trinity Clayhanger The MUSTARD SEED DOUBLE ISSUE 20p Our mission is to worship God and to serve the community by sharing the love of Jesus December/January 2017

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3 St James Church Activities 1st Sunday 10am Family Service & 6.30pm Holy Communion 2nd Sunday 8am BCP Holy Communion, 10am Holy Communion (with Crèche, Sunday Club & Tribe) & 6.30pm Prayer Ministry Service 3rd Sunday 8am BCP Holy Communion, 10am Celebration (with Crèche & Sunday Club) & 6.30pm Holy Communion 4th Sunday 8am BCP Holy Communion, 10am Holy Communion (with Crèche, Sunday Club & Tribe) & 6.30pm Memorial Service 5th Sunday 8am BCP Holy Communion, 10am Children s Service & 6.30pm Holy Communion Crèche Pre-School children (in Fellowship Room) Sunday Club 4 11 years in church hall Tribe years in church hall Monday 9.15am Parent and Toddlers (term time) Monday 6.30pm Girl Guides meet in church hall Tuesday 9.00am 11.00am Open Church Tuesday 6.45pm Brownies meet in church hall Tuesday 7.00pm Heart of Worship rehearse Tuesday 8.15pm Puppet Practice Wednesday 10.15am Holy Communion For details of House Groups see Liz Corbett To arrange a baptism or wedding please telephone Please note that this is a double issue magazine covering December and January. The next issue will be published late January and will be dated February. 3

4 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1 v 15-20) As we approach Advent and Christmas, it is good to remind ourselves whose birth and life it is we are celebrating. It would be so easy to lose the significance and uniqueness of Jesus Christ by focusing solely on the baby in the manger and forgetting that He is God Incarnate, Immanuel God with us. Paul s passage to the church in Colossae is a timely reminder of the both the uniqueness and supremacy of Christ over all things, in both heaven and earth. The faith of the early church was being undermined by all sorts of strange beliefs that in essence denied the full deity of Jesus Christ, that His life, death and resurrection are not quite sufficient and that we also need the help of other sources/agencies. Utter rubbish! says Paul, in this amazing piece of scripture. What is remarkable about Paul s response is that it is written so early after the death and resurrection of Jesus, telling clearly us what the early Christians believed and understood about the person of Jesus (this passage is believed to be an early Christian hymn). They believed that He is both fully human and also fully 4

5 God, that He is creator and saviour and all He achieved on the cross was totally sufficient for our salvation. They understood that Jesus reigns supreme over all powers and principalities and we do not need any other assistance. It would be good to read through passage again and again through Advent and over Christmas to remind ourselves of the unique and wondrous person we worship. Knowing He is supreme over all will give us hope and confidence as we enter a new year in a world that seems, right now, to be going through a scary and uncertain time. Jesus is Lord over all powers and principalities, and that all things find their purpose and meaning in Him. With every blessing for Advent, Christmas and the New Year, Dave & Sharon Bishop St James Church is open every Tuesday 9.00am 11.00am for free coffee/tea private prayer and quiet time or just a friendly chat 5

6 Services at Holy Trinity for December All are welcome at any of our services. If you would like to know more about Holy Trinity, please make yourself known to Graham or ring Sunday 4th December 4.30pm All-age Christingle Service with Liz Corbett Sunday 24th December 4.30pm Community Carols with Graham Mason Services for January Sunday 1st January 10.30am Family Worship with Liz Corbett Sunday 15th January 10.30am Holy Communion with Dave Bishop Whose gifts cost the least? The most? This Christmas, how much will you spend on each of the various people in your life? A survey carried out on Christmas 2015 found that we spend most on our children ( 206 on average), then on our partners ( 163 on average) and least on our mothers-in-law (less than 20). Six out of ten of us plan to give gifts that we know the receiver wants. And it is this thoughtfulness behind the gift, rather than the cost, that nearly everyone appreciates. The survey was done by Debenhams. 6

7 Readings for December The following readings will be used in the St James Services this month: 4th December 2016 Evening Service - Romans 15 v 4 13 & Matthew 3 v th December 2016 Morning Service - James 5 v 7 10 & Matthew 11 v th December 2016 Evening Service - Titus 2 v & Luke 2 v 1 20 Readings for January The following readings will be used in the St James Services this month: 1st January 2016 Evening Service - Hebrews 2 v 10 end & Matthew 2 v 13 end 8th January 2016 Morning Service - Ephesians 3 v 1 12 & Matthew 2 v th January 2016 Evening Service - 1 Corinthians 1 v 1 9 & John 1 v nd January 2016 Morning Service - 1 Corinthians 1 v & Matthew 4 v nd January 2016 Evening Service - Ecclesiastes 3 v 1 11 & 1 Peter 1 v th January 2016 Evening Service - 1 Corinthians 1 v 18 end & John 2 v

8 May we, at St James and Holy Trinity wish everyone who reads this magazine A Very Happy and Holy Christmas and a New Year filled with the Light of Christ 8

9 Specialist Care For People with Dementia & Mental Illness Contact Details 208 Ogley Road Brownhills Walsall WS8 6AN Tel: Fax: Website: Registered in England No Caring for your Health and Well-Being Homestead Care Home provides long term or short term residential or respite care for elderly and young adults with physical frailty and those with mental health needs. We offer: 30 Bedrooms, 8 with en-suite facilities 3 Day lounges 4 Bathrooms with twelve toilets 1 large dining room Well kept gardens and patio area Excellent home cooking, catering for special diets CARE FOR DEMENTIA & MENTAL ILLNESS Our Care Home provides: - Secure windows and alarmed doors - Stimulating daily activities - Day trips - Specially trained carers CARE FOR PHYSICAL DISABILITIES - Assisted baths - Purpose walk-in shower room - Wheelchair access to indoor/outdoor areas - Hoists, moving and handling equipment Registered with the Care Quality Commission 9

10 Co-operative FUNERAL SERVICES Serving your local community 24 hours a day Aldridge Anchor Meadow Health Centre Bloxwich a High Street Brownhills High Street Cannock Park Road Fullbrook Broadway West Lichfield Birmingham Road (next to Lichfield Train Station) Pleck Moat Road (Opposite Manor Hospital) Rushall Lichfield Street Walsall Hatherton Street Part of West Midlands Co-operative Group & members of The Funeral Standards Council 2nd Brownhills Scout Group The Scout Headquarters Barnetts Lane (off Lichfield Road), Brownhills Weekly meetings and activities for boys, girls, and adult volunteers Beaver Scouts ages 6 to 8 years Cub Scouts ages 8 to 10 years Scouts ages 10 to 14 years For further information, please contact: Sue Wright or Mary Mayo CARAVAN TO LET WINKUPS HOLIDAY PARK, North Wales All 2016 dates available Great location Please ring: Helen Harrison on or

11 Christmas Services AT ST JAMES Sunday 11th December Christingle Service at 4.30pm Sunday 18th December Carols by Candlelight at 6.30pm Saturday 24th December All Age Service at 4.30pm Saturday 24th December First Communion of Christmas at 11.00pm Sunday 25th December Holy Communion at 8.00am Sunday 25th December All Age Service at 10.00am AT HOLY TRINITY Sunday 4th December All Age Christingle Service at 4.30pm Saturday 24th December Community Carol Service at 4.30pm MAGAZINE ARTICLES If you would like to submit an article for publication in this Parish Magazine, please note that the closing date is the third Sunday of each month. If submitted by , please send your article (preferably in Microsoft Word format) to Sue Bryan at or in written format and handed to Sue by the due date. 11

12 1444 Brownhills Air Cadets Expand your Horizons Want to be different to everyone else? Want to do cool activities including flying, Gliding, Shooting? Want to do something different to everyone else? Want to be part of a Super Community and make new friends? Come and see us at our at our Headquarters Brownhills Air Cadets Barnetts Lane Brownhills WS8 6HZ Or for more information contact us on either Monday or Wednesday evening between 7:30 and 9:30 using telephone No or

13 That coin in your Christmas pudding There is a tradition, which dates from the Middle Ages, of putting silver coins into Christmas puddings. The first coins used were a silver farthing or penny. After World War One, it became a threepenny bit and then a sixpence. Finding one was supposed to bring you good fortune, but probably more likely to break a tooth as you bit into the pudding. We now pay for most things with plastic or by tapping a mobile telephone. In future will people put old credit cards or phones in their Christmas pudding? Hope not. Other coins appear at this time of year. Chocolate coins are traditionally given to children at Christmas time, and in Jewish tradition during Hanukkah. It is said that one night Saint Nicholas climbed on a roof and threw a purse of money down a chimney, which landed in a pair of stockings that a little girl had hung up to dry. Good throw! The gift that Christians will give our country this year Christmas is coming, and throughout the land, well over a million Christians, both ordained and lay, are working hard to prepare their annual unique Christmas gift to the nation. During this month, cathedrals and thousands of churches will welcome hundreds of thousands of people who are not church-goers, and who may have little real faith; but for whom, nonetheless, Christmas is still a time to go back to church, to sing the carols, and hear once again the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. And that is not all. Not only do Christians provide a way for national worship and celebration of the coming of the Prince of Peace each year they show His love in very practical ways. When a national newspaper recently asked representatives of every diocese in England to say just what their church did of service to anybody else, the response was overwhelming: night shelters, food banks, credit unions, legal advice, housing trusts, various street patrols, and support groups not forgetting the provision of thousands of meals for the lonely and homeless over the Christmas break. 13

14 The Most Beautiful Story Earlier this year a well-known atheist was being interviewed on Radio 4. In the course of an enlightening chat he was asked how he spent Christmas, and he said that he went to Midnight Mass at church. But you re an atheist, his interviewer protested. Yes, he replied, but what they celebrate at Christmas is the most beautiful story ever told. That beautiful story tells of a Creator who sent His Son to share the life of His creation, to be born as a helpless baby, to grow up as a man of extraordinary wisdom, gentleness and love, who was executed by the authorities for contradicting the traditions of the time. His followers who today number about two billion people all over the world believe that He rose from the dead, and that by His death and resurrection He has made possible forgiveness and eternal life for men and women everywhere. That is certainly quite a story, perhaps the greatest story ever told, and yes, beautiful. And that is the story that will be rehearsed again this Christmas, in children s Nativities, in hymns and carols, in Bible readings and sermons all over the country. People who stay away from church all year turn up to hear it, and who can blame them? This is a story of hope, of love and of heaven touching earth. During 2016 we have all become familiar with probably the best-known statue in the world, Christ the Redeemer, towering over the Olympic city of Rio, His arms outstretched in blessing. Christmas celebrates the birth of that great Redeemer a tiny baby laid in a feeding trough. His birth changed history, His life transformed our understanding of what it means to be human, His death was at one and the same time a tragedy and a triumph. Yes, the most beautiful story ever told. Enjoy it again this Christmas. New Year s Eve is coming soon The inventor of the bagpipes was inspired when he saw a man carrying an indignant asthmatic pig under his arm. Unfortunately, the man-made sound never equalled the purity of the sound achieved by the pig. - Alfred Hitchcock. 14

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16 Historically, the Church of England has had its share of eccentric clergy. Even nowadays, hiding away in remote parishes, there are still some colourful clergy about. Clergy such as the elderly, Anglo-Catholic Uncle Eustace, who is incumbent in the small parish of St James-the-Least-of All, somewhere in Very Rural England. Eustace despairs of his nephew, Darren, who has become an Evangelical curate in a busy urban parish and so he writes letters, to try and properly 'educate' Darren in parish life. On what sort of dog a clergyman should own The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren I am absolutely delighted to hear that you are getting a dog. But be careful which variety you choose. First, your dog must be something substantial, but not prone to fighting or making amorous advances towards parishioners dogs. A mongrel may be all very well for you as a curate, but think to the future when you are an incumbent. Get a pedigree. It sets a better tone at the Rectory. It should also be a breed that sheds hair copiously, which should deter your more fastidious parishioners from bothering you at home. If it also drools, that is a bonus. I would recommend you do not get a sheepdog. They become neurotic trying to round everyone up as they roam round your lawn at the annual Summer Fete. It can be quite useful giving your dog a name that naturally, by coincidence is remarkably similar to that of an awkward parishioner. Being able to bawl out commands to come, sit, and stop that, along with the pet s name, can be cathartic to you, 16

17 salutary to the parishioner concerned and instructive to the rest of your congregation. Dogs keep every confidence you tell them, are infinitely sympathetic when you moan about the flower arrangers, and make an excellent audience when you rehearse your Sunday sermon on them. Just like my parishioners, my Labrador gives me a look of well-meaning incomprehension as I get underway, and within minutes slips into a peaceful doze, which continues until my sermon concludes. When gentlemen of the road call, before you open the door, make a series of very audible commands that imply you are restraining a ravenous beast. That your ravenous beast is smiling and tail-wagging, is irrelevant. It will make your caller hesitate to ring the bell another time. Dogs also provide an excellent excuse for terminating endless meetings, overlong phone calls, parish socials and even visits to the bishop. Even the hardest of hearts cannot stop you from dashing home to give your pet a toilet break, much, of course, as you would like to continue enjoying yourself with whoever it is you are obliged to flee from. But do not take them to your church council meetings. When difficult decisions have to be made, you can never rely on them voting the way you want. My Labrador will wag her tail and agree with anyone. Your loving uncle, Eustace If you would like to pay for your Parish Magazine on a yearly basis, please fill in the form below and return to Joan Williams as soon as possible. Name... I enclose 2.00 for the Parish Magazine for the year

18 The Challenges of Christmas Christmas is a great time of year, but it s not without its challenges! One household had 250,000 Christmas lights, but could not boil a kettle for fear of blowing the system! The challenge of over-indulging We all remember the episode of the Vicar of Dibley, where Geraldine had to consume four Christmas dinners! Christmas is a time when we usually eat and drink far too much, the average person gaining six pounds in weight. But Christmas is not simply about gaining weight, but losing what weighs us down. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7). Whatever your concerns or worries this Christmas, bring them to God. The challenge of overspending In the rush to buy Christmas cards, a woman bought a pack of 50 identical cards. Without reading the verse, she hastily signed and sent them off, but for one. A few days later she read the message: This card is just to say a little gift is on the way. Christmas is not about getting into debt, but God getting us out of debt. He spent exactly what was needed on the first Christmas night: You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21). The challenge of over too quickly Christmas doesn t last very long, yet the effect of the first Christmas is long-lasting. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16). Jesus has come to bring us life in all its fullness, both for now and all eternity. How do we face the challenges of Christmas? Yet what I can, I give Him give my heart. Plan ahead it wasn t raining when Noah built the ark 18

19 Mary s Christmas As the baby s mother, Mary plays a crucial part in the Christmas story. It all begins with the visit of Gabriel to Mary: Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. (Luke 1:30,31). This conversation between Gabriel and Mary takes us straight to the heart of what Christmas is all about. God was doing something unique, that had never been done before! God was beginning, at this divine and human point, the New Creation of all things. The whole soiled and weary universe quivered at this direct injection of essential life. (CS Lewis). This Child joins heaven and earth in a new way: the eternal enters time and space and pure spirit takes on flesh and blood. God becomes a human being in the baby Jesus. It reminds one of the sci-fi film in which a team of surgeons are shrunk to the size of blood cells and injected into the veins of a patient to perform lifesaving surgery. The Christmas message affirms that God has entered the bloodstream of humanity to put things right with Him. God chose an unknown, frightened teenage girl to bring about this new beginning for all of us. Her response is the pattern for us, as we welcome God s special gift into our lives this Christmas: I am the Lord s servant, Mary answered. May your word to me be fulfilled. (Luke 1:38). Mary gave an unqualified Yes to all that God wanted to do in her life. It was a costly decision, which risked both shame and scandal. Yet she was ready to obey God and trust His plans for her life, despite her many questions. Is the same true for us this Christmas? Especially for Dave Save the earth. It s the only planet with chocolate. 19

20 A Season for joyful song Many people like to sing. No matter what we sound like, there can be a stirring within us on special occasions that prompts us to sing. In the Christmas story, singing is featured on three occasions. When Mary visited her elderly relative, Elizabeth, she was so overwhelmed with happiness at the forthcoming miraculous birth of her Son, that she burst into a flow of praise. Her words are known as The Magnificat, and they have been set to music by numerous composers down the years. Mary recalled God s promise that He would rescue His people and, through the Messiah, save the world. So Mary sang of God s mercy and benevolence on the helpless, the humble and the hungry. The next song came from the angels, on the night of Jesus birth. They appeared to the shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem, and were full of the glory of God. Peace on earth, goodwill toward man. The final song in the Nativity story came from the shepherds, who hurried to see the new-born baby. They were so overwhelmed by the implications for Israel, that they sang praises to God as they returned to their sheep. Mary, the angels and the shepherds could not help but sing for joy at the coming of the Messiah. They were the first, but not the last! Since the day of Pentecost, hundreds of millions of people have raised their voices in gratitude, thanks and wonder at God s love and mercy in sending Jesus. Down the centuries, countless poets and musicians have composed music to describe a wondrous moment in history. At Christmas, around the world, people come together to sing carols and other songs that express the wonder of God s Gift to us. So as we sing carols this month, let s remember that they are well worth singing! Jesus has given us hope; forgiven our sin; and continues to impart faith and heal our spiritual wounds. Now isn t that something to sing about? Don t put a question mark where God puts a full stop. 20

21 No Room? On the Contrary. All over the world, doors are being slammed shut this Christmas. The closure of the Calais Jungle in the Autumn, which dispersed thousands of asylum seekers and would-be immigrants, brought into sharp focus the story of Joseph and the pregnant teenager Mary, for whom there was no room in the Bethlehem Inn. Vast numbers of Christians forced to flee from their ancient homelands in Syria and Iraq today mirror the Holy Family's escape into Egypt. Every time yet another infant dies violently, it will be a reminder of the first century massacre of babies in the Bethlehem region. This year one carol will be sung with particular poignancy. It retells the message of angels, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests and continues: Yet with the woes of sin and strife, The world has suffered long; Beneath the angel strain have rolled, Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not The love song which they bring: O hush the noise, you men of strife, And hear the angels sing. The angels goodwill message will persist despite our clamour, for it proclaims God s all embracing and eternal welcome. Heaven s doors are everopen: it is home for everyone. The final biblical vision is of an all-encompassing city: On no day will its gates ever be shut the glory and honour of the nations will be brought into it. Jesus, for whom there had been no room at the inn, taught that God s kingdom is home for every race: I say to you that many will come from the East and the West, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. He reassured those anxious about the future: Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father s house has many rooms No room? Don't you believe it! Diary Dates January 18th Celebration Planning meeting at 78 Lichfield 8.30pm 20th Walking Group meet at front of 9.30am 21

22 December Crossword Across 1 The blind receive sight, the walk (Luke 7:22) (4) 3 Got (Philippians 3:12) (8) 8 Leave out (Jeremiah 26:2) (4) 9 Castigated for using dishonest scales (Hosea 12:7) (8) 11 Weighty (1 John 5:3) (10) 14 Now the serpent was more than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made (Genesis 3:1) (6) 15 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot God (Romans 8:8) (6) 17 Because Israel lacked one of these, tools had to be sharpened by the Philistines (1 Samuel 13:19) (10) 20 In his vision of the two eagles and the vine, this is how Ezekiel described the latter (Ezekiel 17:8) (8) 21 Rite (anag.) (4) 22 Nine gigs (anag.) (8) 23 The eye cannot say to the, I don t need you (1 Corinthians 12:21) (4) Crosswords reproduced by kind permission of BRF and John Capon, originally published in Three Down, Nine Across, by John Capon ( 6.99 BRF) Answers can be found on page Down 1 Flee for your lives! Don t, and don t stop anywhere in the plain! (Genesis 19:17) (4,4) 2 Principal thoroughfare (Numbers 20:19) (4,4) 4 The tax collector... beat his and said, God have mercy on me, a sinner (Luke 18:13) (6) 5 The zeal of the Lord Almighty will this (2 Kings 19:31) (10) 6 The day of the Lord is for all nations (Obadiah 15) (4) 7 Specified day (Acts 21:26) (4) 10 Deadly epidemic (Deuteronomy 32:24) (10) 12 Roman Catholic church which has special ceremonial rights (8) 13 Tied up (2 Kings 7:10) (8) 16 In his speech to the Sanhedrin, Stephen described Moses as powerful in speech and (Acts 7:22) (6) 18 Although he did not remove the high places, heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life (1 Kings 15:14) (4) 19 Tribe (Deuteronomy 29:18) (4)

23 Would you like to advertise your business here? For a small fee, you can. Please see information on page 27 A. E. POXON and SONS LTD HIGH STREET, BROWNHILLS Tel Suppliers of high quality fresh meat and cooked meats From our own factory Succulent home made sausages and dry cured bacon Also ask us for advice on your freezer supplies Swaffield Stone Ma#on# MEMORIAL SCULPTORS 59a High Street, Chasetown, Nr. Lichfield, Staffs WS7 7XE Tel: Burntwood MEMORIAL STONES AND QUALITY CARVING COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES & STONES HOUSE NAME PLAQUES You are welcome to come and visit our Workshop and see the work done by hand to a very high standard. We also have a selection of Memorials, large and small, for you to view and a comprehensive selection of catalogues which we will willingly bring to your home for you to select with our personal help. 23

24 Brownhills Memorial Hall Lichfield Road, Brownhills Tel: Regular Events Brownhills Memorial Hall Short Mat Bowling Club Tuesday 7.00pm 9.00pm 2.00 Beginners welcome Social bowling Friendly atmosphere Line Dancing Wednesday 7.00pm 9.00pm 3.00 Tea Dance Friday afternoon 2.00pm 4.00pm 2.50 (inc tea & biscuits) Sequence & Ballroom Dance Second Saturday in each month 8.00pm 11.00pm 2.50 (Bring your own drinks) This month Saturday 3rd December 60s Night with Krys 7 (bring own food and drink) 7.30pm late 31st December New Year s Eve Dance with Carol Bradbury 12 (bring your own refreshments) 8pm 12.30am This month 24

25 The Challenges of Christmas Christmas is a great time of year, but it s not without its challenges! One household had 250,000 Christmas lights, but could not boil a kettle for fear of blowing the system! The challenge of over-indulging We all remember the episode of the Vicar of Dibley, where she had to consume four Christmas dinners! Christmas is a time when we usually eat and drink far too much, the average person gaining 6 pounds in weight. But Christmas is not simply about gaining weight, but losing what weighs us down. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7). Whatever your concerns or worries this Christmas, bring them to God. The challenge of overspending In the rush to buy Christmas cards, a woman bought a pack of 50 identical cards. Without reading the verse, she hastily signed and sent them off, but for one. A few days later she read the message: This card is just to say a little gift is on the way. Christmas is not about getting into debt, but God getting us out of debt. He spent exactly what was needed on the first Christmas night: You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21). The challenge of over too quickly Christmas doesn t last very long, yet the effect of the first Christmas is long-lasting. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16). Jesus has come to bring us life in all its fullness, both for now and all eternity. How do we face the challenges of Christmas? Yet what I can, I give Him - give my heart. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone. 25

26 PRAYERS & POEMS... Christmas All heaven waited with bated breath As the Lord sent Gabriel on ahead To break the news to the young Jewish girl, You will be with child was all he said How can this be? Poor Mary cried, I am a maid and know no man. With God all is possible came the reply; This child would fulfil redemption s plan News spread fast when the baby was born, Shepherds were alerted by a heavenly host, Glory to God and peace on earth, God was coming to redeem the lost. This Christmas day we celebrate, Like the shepherds and wise men we play our part, As they bring their gifts we worship Him too, But the one gift He longs for is our heart. By Megan Carter Christmas Prayer Father, Thank you for creating us and for loving us so much that you sent Jesus to become one of us and to be our way to you. This Christmas may we know the love, peace, comfort and joy that only you can give, no matter what our circumstances. And may we reflect your light and love in this dark world to bring glory to you. In Jesus name. Amen. By Daphne Kitching DOWN: 1, Debt. 2, Peaceable. 3, Drink. 4, Curia. 5, Nuts. 6, Put it. 10, Excel. 11, Is man. 12, Hoofs. 13, Attention. 14, Ezra. 15, Ijon. 18, Aslan. 20, Abana. 21, Greed. 22, GCMG. 23, Leah. CROSSWORD ANSWERS ACROSS: 1, Depend. 4, Canopy. 7, Beak. 8, Irritate. 9, Zedekiah. 13, Ate. 16, Job s comforter. 17, NAE. 19, Lang Syne. 24, Blockade. 25, Five. 26, Enigma. 27, Drench. 26

27 Laughter Lines No room The Sunday School teacher was telling the story of the Nativity, and had just finished the part about there being no room at the inn. A small voice piped up: I blame Joseph. He should have booked. Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus The teacher asked her Sunday School class to draw pictures of their favourite Bible story. She was puzzled by Kate s picture, which showed four people on an airplane. She asked her which story it was meant to represent. The Flight to Egypt, was her reply. Pointing at each figure, the teacher ventured: That must be Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. But who s the fourth person? Oh, explained Kate happily, that s Pontius - the pilot! Thanks Thanks very much for the beautiful jumper, said Charles, kissing his grandmother dutifully on the cheek. Oh, there s nothing to thank me for, she murmured. That s what I thought, but Mum said I had to. Awake Christmas is the season when your neighbour keeps you awake playing Silent Night. Three strangers The minister came home after church on Christmas morning looking very satisfied. We had at least three visitors this morning, though I didn't see them. Then how do you know? Because there were three 10 notes on the collection plate. 27

28 ST JAMES SERVICE ROTA December 2016 SIDESPEOPLE EPISTLE GOSPEL 4th December 10am Family Service Sunday Club Welcome Janet Plimmer 6.30pm Holy Communion Sharon Venables Les Poynton Janet Poynton 11th December 10am Holy Communion Marg Powell Dennis Powell Mal Walker 4.30pm Christingle Service Janet Poynton 18th December Celebration Service Simon & Helen Harrison 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Roger and Maureen Hill 24th December 4.30pm All-age Service 11.00pm First Communion of Christmas Roger Corbett Graham Sutherington Dennis Powell Marg Powell 25th December 10am Family Service Celebration Service Trilogy of Christmas Psalms Sunday 18th December 10.00am ALL WELCOME 28

29 ST JAMES SERVICE ROTA January 2017 SIDESPEOPLE EPISTLE GOSPEL 1st January 10am Family Service Sunday Club Welcome Janet Plimmer 6.30pm Evening Prayer Sharon Venables Les Poynton Janet Poynton 8th January 10am Holy Communion Roger Corbett Ann Wilkins Mal Walker 6.30pm Evening Praise with Prayer Ministry Janet Poynton 15th January Celebration Service Simon & Helen Harrison 6.30pm Holy Communion Roger and Maureen Hill Angela Cooper Roger Corbett 22nd January 10am Holy Communion Angela Cooper Brenda Timmins Janet Sutherington Welcome Brenda Timmins 6.30pm Service of Remembering Joy Powell Graham Sutherington Peter Biggs 29th January WOW Service Tribe 6.30pm Holy Communion Margaret Powell Roger Corbett Josie Rawcliffe Celebration Service Crowning the New Year Sunday 15th January 10.00am ALL WELCOME 29

30 Diary Dates December 5th St James Nursery rehearse in 9.30am and 1pm 6th St James Nursery 9.30am and 1.30pm 12th St James School 2.00pm 13th St James School Christmas 2.00pm 16th Walking group meet at front of 9.30am 16th Millfield School Christmas 10.00am 23rd Carol singing at Fitness First time to be announced 27th Open Church will still be operating on this day Carol Singing At the time of printing, this has still not been finalised. Dates and times will appear on our weekly notice sheets and also on our Facebook page and website. Family Christmas This Christmas, when your family gets together, remember: a certain friction between the generations is inevitable. After all, the young and the old have all the answers and those in between are stuck with all the questions. From the Registers Funerals for October rd Vera Probert, 80, Great Charles Street, Brownhills, crem 5th Maretta Groom, 79, Ogley Road, Brownhills St James and Barnett s Lane 26th Frederick Bennett, 88, Round Rd, Erdington, crem Funerals for November th Rene Higgins, 82, Friezeland Lane, Brownhills, St James & burial 30

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32 THE PARISH OF BROWNHILLS WITH OGLEY HAY Our mission is to worship God and to serve the community by sharing the love of Jesus Vicar: Revd Dave Bishop Lay Ministers: Pete Biggs Liz Corbett Graham Mason Graham Sutherington Children & Family Worker: Mel Pearce OFFICERS Wardens: Margaret Powell Roger Corbett Lay Chair: Dennis Powell Secretary: Brenda Stanford Treasurer: Allison Hopkins Parish Administrator: Joy Powell Deanery Synod Representatives: Roger Corbett Sarah Cullingworth Organist and Worship Leader: Pete Biggs, BEd(Hons), AMusCAM Brownies: Jenny Judson Guides: Claire Llewellyn 32