News

Nativity scene on constructions

5/12/2020

A number of us have worked hard today to create the stand and then arrange the scene itself. Still got to be illuminated so it can be seen at night but its up and ready for viewing.

Mary Payne died on 23rd Nov. at her home in Cottage Lane. She had had her 95th birthday in August. Together with her husband Reg, they moved from Cambridge to the Midlands in the early 60s. They moved into a rented house in Cottage Lane and later bought one of the new bungalows built opposite them. Richard, their eldest son was about 2 when they moved to Cottage Lane and one year later Graham was born. Both boys attended Nether Whitacre school and the Methodist Sunday School.
Reg was a heating engineer and he died in 2007. Mary kept busy by cleaning at the Swan Pub and later became caretaker for the Mission Room. This of course was in a voluntary position but the one perk was a free haircut every week if she wanted it!
To raise money for the Mission Room, Mary organised regular jumble sales and kept the building in good repair. She and Reg were also members of the Ex Servicemen’s club. Mary attended the Methodist Church and supported the monthly coffee mornings. She will be sorely missed by us.
Our minister, the Rev Farai Mapamula will take her funeral at the Woodlands on Dec.16th at 1pm.
Donations instead of flowers will go to Marie Curie.

Christmas shoebox success

1/11/2020

Despite the Covid restrictions we are delighted to announce that 22 boxes and £75 has been donated to the Shoe Box appeal this year and were delievered today before the new restrictions take force.
Thank you to all who have taken the trouble to complete a donation showing that these things can still be achieved no matter what.

Rev Derek Shaw

23/10/2020

Derek enjoying a harvest quiz

Sadly the Rev. Derek Shaw died on Wednesday night October 21st, in the Marie Curie hospice at Solihull.
Those who knew him will not forget easily his gentle concern for others. His funeral on the 13th November had a number of the chapel who were able to attend and celebrate his wonderful contribution to our chapel lives.

Derek was born and brought up in Zimbabwe together with his three brothers. He came to London to train for the ministry and met his future wife Mollie there. They married and had a son Geoffrey but later moved to Kenya. Here their daughter Jessica was born.
When they returned to the UK Derek held several posts around the Reading area before he retired and they moved to Birmingham to be nearer Jessica. In 2009 Derek volunteered to be the minister of Nether Whitacre for one year and ended up staying for three! We have never had a minister solely responsible for our church and will probably never again experience such luxury. Throughout his time with us Derek was not paid nor claimed any expenses. He asked for gift aid envelopes and regularly put his collection in our plate each Sunday. When he retired again in 2012 he continued to lead some of our monthly Bible Studies, attend our quizzes and all fund raising events. He has taken the Christmas candlelit services for the last 10 years and will be sorely missed. Truly he practised what he preached and his quiet but strong leadership inspired us all. We sent £200 to the Marie Curie hospice in Derek’s memory.

Prayer Sunday

11/10/2020

Today our service was all about the power of prayer. We thought of the people on our prayer list as well as the persecuted Christians of the world and prayed for all in need. £50 was collected to be sent to Barnabas Fund.

Harvest Festival

27/9/2020

A very different service today reported on by some of our younger attendees.
"Today was harvest at church. Anne and Mike took the service. The people took fruit and vegatables. The food is going to Tamworth food bank."
Several boxes with a large quantity of donated tins and packet food is now being stored prior to being delivered. Many thanks to all those who have donated.

Chapel back in action

6/9/2020

Twenty four people gathered to celebrate in the first service since lockdown restrictions started. Fiona led the service of prayers and reflection deliberately avoiding using music so we did not get tempted to sing! Despite the new normal situation it was good to be back in the chapel to praise God.

Garden service with flowers

30/8/2020

Our gathering this Sunday was in Arthur and Gina’s garden. They had prepared a lovely service for us, the sun was shining and we were treated to a walk around Arthur’s amazing dahlias in bloom afterwards - absolutely beautiful.