Rev Derek Shaw lead our annual candlelit carol service to a very full chapel. The usual mix of carols and readings was added to with the children acting out a Nativity scene and the choir singing from John Rutter and the Twelve Days of Christmas. The later was even explained how it relates to some of the Christian elements it refers to. Four calling birds relating to the four Gospels for instance. Baby Lyla stole the show in her part as the Angel Gabriel in the nativity scene and then all joined singing Away in a Manger. After the service there was a superb spread of cakes and mince pies - we were looked after well by the ladies and their team.

A good turn out raising £125 for the Sifa Fireside. We welcomed a few new attenders including two ladies that had lived in the village many years and had always meant to come along; hope to welcome them back next year.

Forty eight shoe boxes were delivered to the Samaritans purse. Thank you to all who have assembled a box for deprived children in the Middle East.

We had two visitors from Selly Oak Methodist church today who brought our secret Santa parcel - we had no difficulty in finding some young volunteers to unwrap the hamper which contained more than enough tea, coffee and even washing-up liquid which will be in valuable for our post Sunday tea and coffee we have after most Sunday services. We celebrated with a cup of tea and coffee with them. Thank you very much to all the congregation at Selly Oak..

Volunteers keen to open the lovely hamper of tea and coffee goodies.

A grand total of 83 shoeboxes were taken today for onward transportation. This year they have gone to Romania. This massive total consisted of 46 boxes from our community and a further 37 via a member from Walmley Junior school. Our thanks to all who have contributed to make someone else Christmas just that little bit brighter.

Today we were very pleased to deliver a wonderful total of forty five shoeboxes which are now wending their way to Swaziland in Africa. Many thanks to all our contributors on managing to increase our contribution once again. This has now risen to a grand total of fifty boxes in all.

Another successful evening despite the fact that the rain eventually came down quite hard. We were raising money this year for Beeline Community Transport, operating in North Warwickshire, who provide transport for disabled or the elderly to attend appointments at hospitals or clinics which they would not otherwise be able to get to. A good number of singers turned out to tour the streets and serenade the villagers with a variety of traditional carols.  We even ventured into both the Swan Public House and retired to "The Railway to finish with a little concert. It was lovely to be met with warm mince pies and wine at a few houses which made the cold elements seem more bearable. A total of £208 was raised to help Beeline in their work. A further visit by the Choir to "The Dog" raised separately £162 which was sent to Acacia in Sutton Coldfield - a group which supports pre and post natal depression.

A successful afternoon with lots of creative Christmas themed items to make and finish. Twenty children attended to make a very successful afternoon. Storytime was with our very own Rev. Andi, who developed a Nativity story in which the children were encouraged to correct the errors which were introduced. The children all knew that Mary was pregnant with a baby not a MacDonalds! Cakes and squash followed and we hope you all enjoyed yourselves.