May 2007

THE FROG TEAM

The Froggies Fabulous Praise Party arranged last month by the Frog Team (with some adult help) went off really well.  Action choruses started the afternoon off, to be followed by craft work where the youngsters made 'stained glass' crosses (a cross frame in filled with different coloured tissue paper) - very effective!  The most popular of the creative prayers involved decorating a chocolate digestive biscuit with writing icing, eating it and saying a short prayer about the good things of life. 

We finished with the youngsters in groups preparing contributions which they brought to the last session.  All in all, a really enjoyable afternoon!

The next Froggie event is 'X:site Birmingham' on Saturday 12th May.  Scripture Union (a national organisation working with children) launched 'X:site Birmingham' earlier this year and at the last event in March some 170 children attended.  It's for boys and girls who are 7 to 11 years old and the programme includes activities similar to those at the Praise Party.  More details are available from the Brigade Officers.  A consent form, available from the Officers, must be completed for each child attending. 

SHARE YOUR FAITH WORKSHOP

Do you ever wonder how you arrived at the beliefs you hold?  What was it over the years that shaped your approach to faith issues?  Was it family influences, childhood experiences, Sunday school attendance, being impressed by a talented speaker, finding comfort and strength at a time of difficulty?  Each of us has our own story! 

So what do you think when faith issues come up, as is happening more and more these days, how do you relate your faith to what's going on?  Is it time to look again at things which may have been left undisturbed for many years?

On Sunday 13th May Rev. Ian Field will be leading a workshop at the Hilltop Centre (on behalf of the Fellowship) to help us to better express our faith and in the course of this to develop a clearer understanding of our faith.  Everyone is invited to attend, this is not just for leaders of activities or those who come to Sunday services - everyone is welcome.

Attending the day is quite a commitment, and attendance all day may not be practical, so talk to David you want more information or if you can come for only part of the day.  The workshop runs from 9. 30 am to 4. 30 pm and you will need to bring a packed lunch.

FELLOWSHIP NEWS

Don't miss the Fellowship's Spring Fayre at Birch Coppice Social Club on Saturday 5th May.  Car Boot and field events from 2 pm.  Fancy dress competition for children aged 11 years and under. And lots more. 

Following the Spring Fayre there is a Family Disco at Birch Coppice Social Club on the evening starting at 7. 30 pm.  Tickets Adults £2.50 Children £1.50 available at the Fayre or on the door.

This year the Fellowship's chosen charity is 'The Smile Train' which works to provide funds for surgery to correct children's cleft lips and palate in countries where such help is not readily available.  Recently we have been able to send £150 to the charity from the donations received so far, £150 will pay for one child to have the operation that will correct their deformity.  On Saturday 9th June, our Junior girls are inviting everyone to take part in a sponsored walk to raise funds (more about this later in the month).    If you would like more information about 'The Smile Train' please contact David.

We have some people to congratulate!  Firstly, Peter Dimbleby and Lisa Bradley have just announced the date of their wedding.  The happy day is Friday 17 August.  We wish them every blessing.

Further news about Peter - he entered the London Marathon again this year and bettered last years effort with a time of 2 hours 43 minutes and 11 seconds.  Peter was placed 191 out of the tens of thousands who took part - congratulations!  (Peter was previously our Boys' Brigade Captain.)

Our final congratulations are to Father Philip at Polesworth Abbey Church - Philip will be celebrating ten years in Polesworth on 19 May this year.  On behalf of the Fellowship David and Christine will be attending the service of celebration to mark the occasion.

Just to expand on the reason for moving the morning service to St John's on Sunday 27th May; we have been informed that Polesworth School site will be closed with no public access between Saturday 26th May and Saturday 2nd June.  During the week a new electricity supply will be installed into the school.

AND FINALLY

It's another busy month!  I look forward to seeing you at one or more of the services or events that are planned.

David