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
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Archive : From the Moderator
From the Moderator
The Christmas cards are on sale, the lights on the large Christmas tree are flashing in front of me, the seasonal paper is waiting to be purchased to wrap presents and the adverts on the television are reminding the viewers that the Christian festival is nearly upon us. It could be Hall Green, or Birmingham, or is it?
As I look around whilst waiting for my cold milk shake in a Perth (Australia) shopping mall, there are differences, The air conditioning is on, shoppers are walking around in their summer clothes and their is the promise that the temperature on the outside is on the rise.
It has been an interesting to experience the preparations for Christmas both from a secular and Christian point of view. The Churches have publicised their "Advent programme", some of the services will conclude with an outside BBQ where the only problem will be, will there be enough shade?
In the prophet Isiah, Chapter 9 and verse 6, the prophet is moved to write of the occaion when Jesus will come into this world:
"for unto us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal father, Prince of Peace"
So whatever the environment, the message is still the same. The Light of Jesus has come into the World and continues to shine in these dark and difficult days. During this Christmastime, take time to pause, reflect and think what this means. For some in the world it might be after a BBQ on a hot day, but for others like you and me, the day is likely to be cold, possibly frosty and dark. But the light still shines.
May God grant you peace and joy at this Christmastime and throughout 2012.
Geoff Rudge (from Down Under)