Stainglass window
Christmas 2011
3rd Dec Advent Party
12th Dec @ 2pm
Carol Service at Oak tree Court
16th Dec @ 2.30pm
Carol Service at Stratford Court
17th Dec @11am
Carol Singing outside Co-Op
18th Dec Nativity and Christingle Service and Carol Service
24th Dec @ 11pm (Service starts at 11.30pm
United Service at URC Etwall Rd
25th Dec @10am
Christmas Day Service
Dear Friends
Hall Green is one area of Birmingham which has seen great demographic change in recent years with people of other faiths (e.g. Islam, Hindu, and Sikh) moving into the area. For some in the churches, this has caused alarm while others have wanted to embrace the challenge of sharing together as different faiths.
Late last year the 'Churches Together in Hall Green Council' met with the Revd. Ray Gaston (Interfaith Enabler from Queens College, Birmingham) who led initial discussions on interfaith relationships around dialoguing with other faiths and three faith positions (pleurism, exclusivism and inclusivism). Three deacons and two church members from HGBC were present at that meeting. During April and may there will be opportunities to explore these issues in more detail through a course being run by CTHG (watch out for more soon)
In the meantime I believe it may be helpful, for us as a Church community to explore our Christian discipleship in a multi-faith community, by thinking about diversity both in the church and community. The church as the body of Christ is made up of a diverse group of people but is called to be one and united. The community is a demography of diversity, with people of different faiths, no faith, age and social background to name a few.
So, on Saturday 13th March there will be a church Away Day held at Queen Road Baptist Church, Coventry led by Revd. Dr Nick Wood (Dean, Regent's Park College Oxford) and myself. As wellk as exploring the theme- what does it mean to be an effective Christian witness in a diverse community? - the day will also be an opportunity to share in fellowship in an informal setting but with opportunities to worship, reflect, discuss and discern God's will together, and of course - have fun!
In readiness for the day, the following are some questions you may want to consider and ponder
In terms of church: How united/ divided is the church? How do we find ways to interact together as the body of Christ without falling out? Do the ways in which we hold diversity together in the church give us a way forward to thinking about diversity outside the church?
In terms of the Community> What do you think about people of other faith or no faith? What experiences if any, do you have of relationships with people of other faiths or no faith? In what ways do you witness to your faith in a diverse community?
In terms of Church and community If we can live with our differences inside the church, can we live with these differences outside the church? Can we possitively use these differences to live effectively in a diverse community?
I would encourage everyone in the life of the church community to attend the day which I believe will be a rich blessing to all of us. Finally, on a practical note, if you require transport or have specific dietary requirements please speak to myself, Kathryn or Netta.
Every blessing
Paul