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Minister’s letter Dear friends,

have only a very limited collection of CDs of Christmas music – promise! Quite a lot of them are freebies of new Christian Christmas music which arrive with the I autumn magazine of the Royal School of Church Music (and, sadly, I am pretty sure that I haven’t listened to all of them yet!). Some Christmas music does have a habit – possibly annoying – of getting under your skin, however: I love Ertha Kitt’s voice, and so I have a soft spot for ‘Santa Baby’. It has to be this original version, mind…none of the cover versions which have appeared over the years. ‘On the first day of Christmas…’ always brings a smile to my face because of the various films, skits and parodies which it has spawned over the years: somehow, the whole thing seems quite preposterous – ridiculous. Occasionally, I hear something which I haven’t heard, literally, for decades….and all kind of things come flooding back. A couple of weeks ago, I heard some youngsters singing, ‘All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth’: it must be forty years since these particular words assailed my ears!

It strikes me that all of these songs – and many, many more – are all to do with getting or gaining something at Christmas (though I don’t think that a request for front teeth is unreasonable!). Contrast this with many of the things which are said in overtly Christian songs – carols: ‘Ring a bell for peace’ may be unfamiliar to some people, but the opening of each verse encourages us to do, give, share something….Ring a bell for peace, blow a horn for joy, play a flute for hope, beat the drum for faith. I am not a great fan of, ‘In the bleak midwinter’, but have to note the power of the words of the final verse: ‘What can I give him?’ Even the much-loved seasonal favourite, ‘O come, all ye faithful’, notes that, ‘we too will thither bend our joyful footsteps’.

Giving or gaining? I don’t begrudge anybody receiving things at Christmas – and I rather hope that I will be in this position myself! – but I do think that as individuals and faith communities we are challenged to think again about what it is that we give to the world, even as we welcome God Incarnate in Christ, the supreme gift to the world.

With much love in Christ at the season of his birth,

Your friend and minister,

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Worship for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and into the New Year… Sunday 7 December Advent 2 10.30am ‘Mounting mystery, growing secrets’ (Luke 1.21 – 38) led by Neil Riches Worship will include the Lord’s Supper and signing of cards for Amnesty International Worship will be followed by First Sunday Lunch – all welcome 4.00pm Street Banquet – food, fellowship and worship for some of the most vulnerable members of Birmingham’s communities

Sunday 14 December Advent 3 10.30am ‘Support from family, a song for the world’ (Luke 1.39 – 56) 2.45pm for 3.00pm Children’s Church – Isaiah the prophet 5.30pm Circuit Praise: informal worship and teaching

Sunday 21 December Advent 4 10.30am ‘Truth will out’ (Luke 1.57 – 80) led by Neil Riches; all-age worship 6.30pm ‘The Powers at Christmas’ – music and readings for the season led by Neil Johnson and Neil Riches

Wednesday 24 December Christmas Eve 6.00pm ‘Born in the night’ (Luke 2.1 – 7): worship for Christmas Eve led by Neil Johnson

Thursday 25 December Christmas Day 10.30am ‘Unto us’ (Luke 2.8 – 20) : worship for Christmas Day led by Neil Johnson

Sunday 28 December 10.30am What is Christmas all about? All-age worship led by Junior Church

Sunday 4,January 10.30am Worship for Epiphany led by Neil Riches Key reading: Matthew 2.1 – 12 Worship will include the Lord’s Supper and the offering gifts for needy communities in Birmingham: please listen for details Worship will be followed by First Sunday Lunch – all welcome

Sunday 11 January 10.30am Morning Worship led by Revd Mike Wallace Please note the likely shift in the date of the church meeting until 25 January: confirmation of this will be given as soon as possible! 2.45pm for 3.00pm Children’s Church – continuing with the series ‘On Fire’ 5.30pm Circuit Praise: informal worship and teaching

Sunday 18 January 10.30am Morning Worship led by Neil Johnson

Sunday 25 January 10.30am All-age worship led by Neil Riches Key passage: Mark 1.14 – 20 It is anticipated that this will be followed by a church meeting at noon – all welcome 6.00pm Radical worship – continuing the series of looking at issues facing Christians through the eyes of the world church.

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Notices

Bull Ring Markets – help needed to Celebrate Birmingham Cathedral’s distribute hot fruit punch and mince Tercentenary - 2015 marks the 300th pies to all 500 traders - 1.30 pm to anniversary of the completion of St 3.00pm. Tuesday 9 December - Philip’s: the ‘church on the hill’ which Outdoor Market; Wednesday 10 became the Anglican Cathedral in1905. December – Indoor Market; Friday 12 December – Rag Market. No training or 20 - 22 January 2015 Exploring The previous experience is needed ! If you Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg at would like to help on one of these days Launde Abbey, Leicestershire. A group please let Andrew Veitch know. experience to explore how we react spiritually, emotionally and intellectually Thursday 18 December Carrs Lane to The Heart of Christianity. It will be Lived Community Film Club - Prayer at assumed participants have read the 7pm followed by film. It's a Wonderful book beforehand. £240 Contact Life (U). Let us know if coming at [email protected] or 01572 717254. [email protected] Saturday 21 February at Coventry 1 - 14 December Faithful Friends Central Hall The Archbishop of Exhibition in the Foyer area of the Canterbury, Justin Welby, will give the Library of Birmingham depicting keynote address at the ‘Love your friendships between people of different neighbour: Think, Pray, Vote’ faiths and stories telling the difference conference organised by the Joint those friendships have made. Public Issues Team of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Tuesday 9 December 3.00pm and and the United Reformed Church. See 7.30pm at Birmingham Town Hall Julie Grove for more details. Midlands Hospitals Choir - Carols That Count. 150 voices raising funds for Zweibrücken/Ernstweiler. We hope to CLIC Sargent. Tickets £10-£17.50 visit as part of our bi-annual exchange. www.thsh.co.uk or 0121 345 0603. The proposed dates are Thurs 21 to Mon 25 May. The main cost will be for Saturday 13 December at 7.30 pm a travel, which will be estimated later. If lively concert by Out of the Blue Jazz you would like to join us, or have Orchestra at Solihull Methodist Church. questions, speak to Tim Batty, Donald Classic swing & big band arrangements Payne, Andrew or Jill Veitch with some Christmas favourites Tickets £8 (£4 children) in aid of EducAidAfrica. Birmingham Taizé Pilgrimage 2015: Contact Jenni Kitson, 0121 705 1546. Next summer 1st - 10th August, there will be an ecumenical Birmingham 18 to 25 January 2015 Week of Prayer pilgrimage to Taizé aimed at ages 17- for Christian Unity 29. For more information email [email protected]

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Sunday 11 January Birmingham Sponsored Swim for Christian Aid at University of Birmingham. Take the plunge to end poverty by participating in this event. Carrs Lane welcomes new members and sponsors for our team. We have two lanes booked for the late afternoon – contact Pat Davies for details

Christmas Greetings 2014

The following people send Christmas Greetings to friends at Carrs Lane:

Tim Batty, John Best, Margaret Checkley, Liz and Peter Cummings, Joan Davies, Pat

Davies, Joan and Derek Duffield, Julie and Chris Grove, Andrew Leo, Ann and Murdoch McKenzie, Julia and Peter Redwood, George Richards, Christine and Simon

Rowntree, Amina and Martin Stokes, Anne and Malcolm Veitch, Kate Waplington, Elaine Wheeler, Joan White, Helen and Peter Woodall, Ann and Ray Yorke.

We agreed that this year our donations would be sent to save the Children Fund. Ed.

Food Bank

Our collection on Gift Sunday on 4 January will be for the Food Bank. Trussell Trust foodbanks provide a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis in the UK. Please help feed local people in crisis by buying items from the list and donating them.

Shopping List - Milk (UHT or powdered), Sugar (500g), Fruit juice (carton), Soup, Pasta sauces, Sponge pudding (tinned), Tomatoes (tinned), Cereals, Rice pudding (tinned), Tea bags/instant coffee, Instant mash potato, Rice/pasta, Tinned meat/fish, Tinned vegetables, Tinned fruit, Jam, Biscuits or snack bars. Thank you, Neil

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Thoughts on Marriage

t December’s church meeting we will be discussing marriage. Marriage is not an easy subject for the universal Church at the moment. As a family we are A struggling to find agreement on the question of same-sex marriage. For every strong opinion in one direction there is an equally strong opinion in the other. This struggle for consensus has been played out most openly in the Anglican Communion but is ongoing in all the major denominations.

I feel drawn to share some thoughts to highlight a perspective which I think is too rarely considered in western discussions about marriage, but which is at the forefront of these discussion in non-western cultures. The reality of most of the world’s population is that their economic security is ensured by their family relationships. Most people do not have pension-plans, state-funded health care or state-provided social services. In retirement the elderly are reliant on their families for support, most intrinsically on their children. This kind of social structure has been the bedrock of human society for millennia, it was the norm in our society until recent generations. The obligation on children to care for their elderly relatives is enshrined in the Torah, most notably in the fifth commandment (Ex 20:12; Dt 5:16), this is a teaching that is backed up clearly by Jesus (Mk 7:8-13).

If we spend time trying to re-look at society through the lens of this social structure then the implications are obvious. For most of the world’s population, alongside all the emotional and physical reasons why any of us might choose to marry and have children, is an economic imperative. Your children are your future sustenance, your pension plan. It follows that the more children one has the better your chance of economic security, especially in circumstances of high infant mortality. There are no doubt many gay or lesbian people whose economic and social reality convinces them that a same-sex marriage is their only option; likewise many who would prefer to remain single.

It inevitably follows that such societies will look on marriage in a very different way. Of course the picture is complex, no one would deny it, we no longer look at the world in binary terms splitting peoples into rich and poor who all think and feel the same, but this complexity should not blind us. In situations of extreme poverty non- procreative marriage is a very insecure lifestyle choice, as is lifelong singlehood; thus romantic love and sexuality are not the only factors in determining who one marries. Those who have money or who are part of a larger community or family structure can sustain it, but not those who are forced to work for $2 a day or less. On a different but similar note, this social dynamic is one of the reasons why the HIV-AIDS epidemic in Africa is taking so long to solve.

Of course there have always been childless couples and those who remain single, all societies have found ways to support these groups, again the bible is very clear on our duty to support those without family support. But in the last 70 years our western reality has changed, more and more people have chosen to live alone, in same-sex relationships, in childless hetero-sexual relationships, to marry at a much older age. It remains to be seen who will care for us in our old age.

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So I would like to add a note of caution to our discussions. Any model which is only live-able in the wealthy west cannot be a truly Christian way forward, the wealthy churches of our world must not unilaterally proclaim a new understanding of marriage which is economically impossible for those living in extreme poverty. It is no surprise that generally the voices speaking in favour of reform have come from the wealthy world while those against have come from the poorer world (of course there are exception in both directions). These divisions often run through countries as well as between.

I am acutely aware that I am living in a childless marriage. I too am living a model of marriage which is not available to many others like myself. Am I arguing that my marriage is not legitimate? Certainly not. But I am recognising an ambiguity, I am living a reality not available to all.

We are confronted with two choices. We need to decide whether or not to accept a more permissive and inclusive view of marriage as authentically Christian. And alongside this decision we need to decide whether or not the model of society which this acceptance implies is live-able by all in our present moment in history.

If the consensus view of the rich world churches is for a much more permissive and inclusive view of marriage then it is incumbent on us all to take steps which will make this new model possible for the very poorest. Sadly up until now the liberal churches of the west have too often preferred to publicly criticise the churches of the global south while often continuing to invest their money in systems which exacerbate the structural causes of world poverty. Predictably the global south has responded with equal zeal; they see the moral evil of globalised market capitalism that we promote, if our moral compasses are so skewed when it comes to economics, why then should they take any notice when we preach about sexual morality? This way forward is no way forward. For too long we have arrogantly assumed that we know better than these people we quietly think of as (so-called Christian) primitive savages in Uganda, Nigeria and many other places.

Any decision to bless and affirm same-sex marriage and child-less marriage must be taken in the humble acknowledgement that such a lifestyle is not in the reach of many of our brothers and sisters. In our current context it is only tenable if accompanied by a serious practical and vocal rejection of the oppressive economic structures which prevent others from embracing such models of marriage. As with so much which concerns our faith, our words will be meaningless unless we are willing to let them affect our actions and our wallets.

Written by Matthew Neville

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Christmas Message 2014

ob Geldof looks more and more like a latter day prophet. He crashes through all the political speak, niceties and spin of the usual media talking heads. He B just nails it. The relative failure to help the victims of Ebola is just ridiculous. Or ****** ridiculous to be more precise. How can we let these people die of disease or starvation without greater engagement and care? You can smell the visceral anger.

And the associated Band Aid song that has been released drips with the language we use in church and especially at Christmas. Here are some of the phrases:

It’s Christmas time - don’t be afraid let in light and banish shade spread joy - say a prayer for the other ones. Look outside your window for there is fear and dread. There are people who are untouchable because a tear can spread infection. So let us touch the untouchables - bring peace and joy to West Africa. How can they know its Christmas time? Feed the world - let them know its Christmas time.

There are times when into the ordinary run of life and the normal way we do things, there is an eruption of angry common sense that does away with caution and reservation. This might be such an example. It uses the language associated with the church because the language of the church knows what is truly valuable in human relationship and community. But it often shames the church as well as society’s normal political processes because it is said with such explosive indignation which the church does not always replicate.

It is perhaps a good example of the way the spirit of God raises up words of truth within but as often as not, beyond the church. Another such example (bearing in mind the centenary of its beginning) is the story of the singing of Silent Night in the trenches of the First World War. That provoked solders to break ranks, disobey protocol and to recognise human beings in their enemies. They all hated fighting and longed to sing of and live with peace, love and grace. An eruption of sanity in the midst of warring madness.

But these indignant eruptions are often short lived. The First World War resumed, friends momentarily made across the fighting had to continue bayoneting each other and Band Aid’s first release did not reverse the political order. We need yet another Band Aid song thirty years on.

We in the church have all the readings, the carols and hymns, we have all the poems and the candlelight and the nativity stories and the liturgies - all the material we could ever need to be a permanent bonfire of indignation. The closer we get to the story of Christ with … o no place for the holy family to lay their heads (homelessness)

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o political fear that issues in violence (the slaughter of the innocents) …the closer we are to lighting that bonfire. Is not our goal because of our intimate association with Christ to be able to step out of the trenches where there is so much fighting for power, success, security and unlimited growth with Silent Night on our lips? Is not our goal to notice with fresh eyes and prophetic anger the ongoing slaughter of the innocents through hunger, lack of water, poverty, abandonment and sexual exploitation? And not just around the world but under our noses, in our very own cities. Is not our goal to cut through the spin to say, ‘enough is enough’?

The spirit of God I believe erupted in the First World War trenches and the mouths of the Band Aiders. Its eruption should be something we are permanently looking for and inciting in our own souls and the souls of others. The Christmas stories bring us close to Christ and close to that angry spirit. Yes, let’s remind people and ourselves within the Church that it’s Christmas time. But also that Christmas starts with Christ and prophetic anger. For the shame is that even the Word of God, who flung stars into space, is treated shamefully and eventually tortured to death by human ridiculousness. Our close association on a daily and weekly basis in the depth of our discipleship with that same Christ should make our singing of defiant Silent Night and our prophetic anger never far from the surface of our Christmas and indeed every season of the Christian calendar. It should be on our lips year on year, war on war, nativity on nativity.

Christmas is coming. It starts with Christ and he might be more like Bob Geldof than our too comfortable assumptions would like him to be….

Wishing you a Holy Season where Silent Night brings us all out of the trenches. Wishing you too a time of love and re – creation.

Roy Lowes

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Welcome to new Church Member

Our newest member David Harvey was received into membership at The Church at Carrs lane on Advent Sunday.

am currently studying for a PhD in Psychology at the University of Warwick, specialising in visual language processing. As a keen amateur actor, I can often I be found treading the boards at the Crescent Theatre in the centre of Birmingham and rehearsing with the church’s very own Players. Recently, I’ve also started dabbling in improvised comedy with Box of Frogs, with whom I regularly practise, play and perform.

I have been heavily involved in the United Reformed Church at many levels throughout my life. Originally from Weoley Castle Community Church, I helped to form the West Midlands Synod Youth Executive, as well as representing the West Midlands on the Fellowship of United Reformed Youth (FURY) Council from the age of 14. At 18, whilst studying Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford, I served as FURY Moderator – the national representative for all 14-25 year-olds in the United Reformed Church. This meant serving on several committees as well as representing the youth of the Church at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace and travelling as part of a delegation to visit the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan.

Since my work as Fury Moderator, I have continued to be involved in the life of the national Church, representing the synod at General Assembly and have been called upon to serve on review groups for structural changes, policy direction and other important projects and campaigns. I’m always happy to talk to people about the structures and systems of the URC, which can be incredibly confusing… and I’m only partly to blame for that, I promise! David Harvey

Why am I here at Carrs Lane Lived Community?

This is taken from Melissa's contribution to the Community presentation to the Church Meeting on 16 November.

am here as part of the Year in Community project, to live in Carrs Lane Lived Community for ten months from September 2014 to the end of June 2015 as a I full-time volunteer.

There are 3 main things that drew me to the Year in Community:

o I am attracted by what I see as the ideal of authentic Christian living: o simplicity of life, in solidarity with those who have little combined with a responsible and ethical use of financial resources o centrality of prayer o service to the wider community o However, I have realised that I can't aspire to this ideal alone – I need the support of others. Sadly I don't have the self-discipline to pray for half an hour twice a day, for example.

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1) A desire for companionship of like-minded people with a similar vision who will encourage, support, inspire and challenge me.

2) The gift of being able to volunteer full-time for 10 months. It is highly unlikely I will ever be able to do this again. Over the past 2 months I've learned a lot about what life is like for people who live in some of the hidden sectors of our society … refugees, asylum seekers, unemployed, with disabilities, elderly with dementia … read more in my second article! Melissa Pearce

A Year in Community – Three Months In

Lifting the Coverlet

t the time of writing, I have been part of Carrs Lane Lived Community for two and a half months. It has been a kaleidoscope of new experiences, and it is A impossible to describe everything but I hope to give a first glimpse here.

It has been a time of awareness and discovery, as through my diverse volunteer projects I have been privileged to lift the coverlet and see something of what life is like for many hidden faces in our society and in our world. It has been a time of learning: 1) that Eritrea, a country I had barely heard of before, which borders Ethiopia, exports the highest numbers of asylum seekers who are fleeing torture, arbitrary detention and life under a ruthless dictatorship – and that many more who do not make it here fall into the hands of traffickers – yet our newspapers remain silent 2) that the flaws in our immigration system create destitute asylum seekers without any official status or any recourse to public funds and yet are refused asylum but not deported because it isn’t safe to do so 3) how the increased benefit sanctions mean that Alan*, a young man whom the system had failed to recognise had special needs, would have had his jobseekers’ allowance stopped if it hadn’t caught the attention of volunteer advisors 4) how one can hold on to hope and ways of non-violence in the face of continuous, never-ending acts of violence and intimidation – from the example of Palestinians and dissident Israelis 5) that our council tax funds arms companies (through the unethical investments of the West Midlands Pension Fund) 6) My time so far as part of Carrs Lane Lived Community has been a time of challenge, and a time to examine my own conscience. How can I walk Christ’s road of peace and justice here in Birmingham? What can I do to challenge the forms of institutional injustice I see around me? How can I be a more authentic disciple of Jesus?

*name changed to protect identity Melissa

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Carrs Lane Lived Community – Church Meeting Feedback Part 1

hank you to everyone who contributed to the discussion on the lived community at the last Church Meeting: we hope you found it fruitful as we T continue to build this aspect of the life of the Church at Carrs Lane. We appreciate your affirmation of some of the core aspects of our life, and are reflecting on the challenges you have offered us. Your contributions are reproduced below in their entirety (except for the one about the misplaced apostrophe which we don’t think will add much to the ongoing dialogue!)

There is, as expected, a lot of overlap; as well as some contradictions. We noticed that the number of responses showed a greater willingness to challenge us than for people to challenge themselves, which may in itself be something which bears further reflection.

There were things we agree with, things we hope to reflect on further, things we would love to discuss if those who wrote them were keen to do so, and some which we would like to challenge. We have offered a factual response (in italics below) where possible; and next month we will try to give a fuller response to those we think require a more considered reaction.

What do you value that the lived community has added to the life of the Church at Carrs lane? o It is good to have more members which gives a clearer / more obvious presence o Prayer very important to hold the church centre in daily prayer. o Challenges us in how we live our lives and use resources. o Hospitality is very important. o Hospitality o Prayer o Challenge – coming in with different eyes o Voluntary work in helping those “in need” o An extra dimension of youth and vitality which has been missing for many years o A sense that the church is alive even when events of the day have finished o A very positive prayerful spirituality. o Outreach to new people o For me to be honest not a lot o Prayer o Interest in the outside world o Hospitality o A Christian Presence 24-7 o Daily prayers o Reaching those who do not engage with the church at large. o Daily prayer o Being community o Hospitality.

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What challenge would you like to offer to the lived community and its members? o Give people enough time to respond – give good notice of events. Speak to elders about new events. o At church meeting raise concerns they have come across which need to write to MP or individuals of concern and tell us things we can do ourselves. o Insurance in flat – need to check position of visitors o Inviting new members should go to elders beforehand. The previous expectation was that the discussion of new members would be between current members, the community friends and the ministers, which is what was done this time round. If people are keen to change this, let’s have a conversation. o Get to know what the congregation has done over the years. Many members have similar concerns, values as you have but perhaps carry things out in a different way and you may be unaware of this. o A clearer involvement within the life of this church’s activities to complement your activities outside. o You need to appreciate that the church membership is composed of a liberal mix of views regarding the existence of God and the value of prayer. Are you able to accept and work with this? o The challenge for you is to keep us informed of your activities. Update of your activities in the church magazine. o Community must communicate with us more – what is the city saying to us, newsletters, info, journey, o What is your relationship to retail chaplaincy? o This is not currently one of the activities we are involved in. o Feedback to the life of the church o How do we improve communication and further integration with the Church at Carrs Lane? eg Journey articles. o Can we help others who are going through challenges with their faith (church members)? o Could the prayer cross / prayer requests be integrated with the prayer life of the community? o How can the community do more to engage with the Carrs Lane Congregation? o How to get rid of the them / us dichotomy o Do not assume we all think alike. Many people have done things similar to you. Not all new – didn’t always work either o Feel emphasis has been on us to find you and not you to find us and what we do and have done.

How would you, personally, like to engage with something of what the lived community are trying to do? o I would like to attend Taizé evening again – I was very moved by the last one – an annual event? We have Taize prayer every Tuesday. We would also love to have a big event with a Brother from the community again, but that isn’t really down to us to decide as it also relied on lots of other people. o If you share – we can then respond, eg marches, letters, campaigning etc.

14 o ? o If lots of visitors then church members could be asked to put people up. o We (the church) mustn’t think we shouldn’t bother o Let us know what can be helped with o We would like to engage with the community prayers but remotely? Prayers by proxy? Podcast? o Praying with the lived community in personal prayer time (ie printed / web-based liturgies o The challenge to us to pray twice a day here or at home All our liturgies are on our website: www.carrslanelivedcommunity.org.uk. Several people from the congregation took us up on the offer of having our morning prayer booklets to use at home: and we are happy to provide them to others: just ask! o Do you have enough space? Does the church give you enough space? o We need to attend your prayer meetings.

Driven…

…though not in the sense of being ‘driven’ in a car or ‘driven’ snow (hopefully, not something which we will have experienced by the time that you read these thoughts!). I am talking about being ‘driven’ in the sense that a person may be considered to be ‘driven’. I suppose that this is yet another thought triggered by my recent visit to South Wales. In conversation with friends, I was reminded of some of the truly ‘driven’ people that I knew in my early years in ministry – miners who had crammed every bit of education that they could into precious evening hours in the 1920s and 1930s, in order to achieve a sense of ‘progress’ for themselves and their families; a retired missionary who had, literally, had to wait for twelve years in order to prove – validate – achieve confirmation of ‘calling’ to this particular ministry. I talked to somebody with whom I trained decades ago – child of a Welsh Baptist chapel – long since closed who had started preaching at the age of 14, so convinced was he that this represented God’s lifelong will for him.

I could continue, but the word is a compelling one: driven. As we reflect on our faith, our service, our witness, in what ways might we consider ourselves to be ‘driven’? You may not even think that it is a good thing to talk in this way! Neil

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Jubilee Debt Campaign

Birmingham woman who spent decades campaigning for the end of global debt has been awarded the first ever Faith in Action trophy to thank her for the A contribution she has made in the city and across the globe.

Audrey Miller was one of the organisers of the Drop the Debt campaign which in 1998 formed a human chain of 70,000 people around the ICC as world leaders gathered for the G8 summit. Following the summit, Audrey was secretary of the Birmingham Jubilee Debt group from 2001 to 2008 and more recently worked with the campaigning group’s multi-faith arm. In December 2011 she was awarded a Near Neighbours grant to bring women in Sparkhill together to learn more about global poverty.

Speakers at the event on Wednesday 19 November included Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Ji, Jehangir Malik UK Director at Islamic Relief and the Rt Revd David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham who hosted the event. The faith leaders spoke about the billions of pounds that had been saved as a result of the successful campaigning for debt relief and the millions of lives that had been affected as a consequence. Guests at the event had a chance to record tributes to send to Audrey who was unable to attend. Also during the evening seven young faith activists from the Sikh, Muslim and Christian traditions spent time interviewing the experience campaigners and charity workers to understand how their faiths inspired them to actions. The reflections of the young people have been recorded as a short film.

Speaking before the event, Audrey said she was really honoured to be nominated for the award but she hoped that future recipients reflected the diversity of Birmingham’s multicultural heritage, particularly across the faiths. “I am glad this award has been set up. Although I feel I don’t deserve it, I am delighted to receive it,” she added.

Tim Jones of the Jubilee Debt Campaign said: “Audrey has worked tirelessly to bring together people of different faiths to campaign for justice. She has helped show the common strands across faiths which call for people to speak out against the oppression of others. This has helped lead to billions of dollars of debt being cancelled, leading to literally millions more people having access to healthcare and education. Audrey’s work to bring together neighbours in Birmingham and across the UK has been part of a much wider coming together of neighbours across the world, for the benefit of all.”

In the last few weeks Audrey has moved from Birmingham to York. The trophy aims to be a way of expressing gratitude to her for all she has done in Birmingham and across the globe. It has been set up by the Near Neighbours Birmingham Faith Advisory Panel. Andrew Mathews

Duncan her husband helped for a while on our Traidcraft stall and they were both keen supporters of Fair Trade in Birmingham. Ed.

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Greetings from Traidcraft Producers

Get Paper (GPI), a fair trade partner of Traidcraft for the last twenty years, extends its best wishes for a Merry Christmas on behalf of all its producers and communities, which are having a better life due to this long term trade. Milan Dev Bhatterai Marketing & Communications Manager

The artisans of Saidpur Enterprises would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. We thank you for your support and that we are able to offer a better future to the disadvantaged and marginalised. Thanks to the purchases of Traidcraft’s supporters our artisans have the best opportunity for improved livelihoods, better food and a good education for their children. M.Ghayasuddin, Saidpur Enterprises - Bangladesh.

I would like to wish Traidcraft supporters and staff – on behalf of all the members of our co-operative and the families - a lovely Christmas. You have already made a substantial difference in our liv es; and we have ‘hope’ for a better future for our children. Carlos Garcia, CIPAC manager a beekeeper and coffee grower who visited Traidcraft (and Shared Interest) recently.

Dear friends of Fairtrade as Christmas is approaching again, myself and all of the Craftaid team would like to convey to you our thanks for showing love in action in buying and selling our products which have helped us achieve our goal of helping the so many people under our care live a sustainable life. As we think of Christmas we are reminded that God sent His son as the gift to the world and we in turn can now give our lives as a gift to God to be used to express His love through us. May God bless you and make you a blessing for each other. Blessed to bless. We love Him because He first loved us. Let us love without measure by His grace, Pastor Gabriel Kamudu Craft Aid

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Our founder Sandra Wanduragala is famous for saying that ‘it is only in giving that we receive’. In this spirit, not just this holiday season but throughout the year, we are inspired to keep this vision alive. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at Selyn.

Thank you very much for your invincible support to hundreds of artisans though Traidcraft and Noah's Ark. Even if you buy one item you are bringing smiles to 4-5 people because making handicrafts is a collective work and you can feel the warmth of those hands by merely touching the product. We wish that this link between you and the artisan may become stronger with each Christmas, as you are giving a recognition and identity to artisans by their handiwork. God bless and a Merry Christmas. Samuel Masih, Noah's Ark - India

Change at the Top at Traidcraft

ags Vaughan has announced that she will be will be leaving Traidcraft at the end of December 2014 after ten successful years with the organisation. M Mags has held a pivotal leadership role at Traidcraft for the past decade, including the role of Chief Executive for the last two years, during which time Traidcraft has continued to touch the lives of producers and growers in over thirty countries around the world. During the past year Traidcraft has directly benefited over 500,000 people in developing countries and has continued its pioneering Fair Trade work.

Ram Gidoomal, Traidcraft’s Chairman said: “Mags has been an integral part of the leadership of Traidcraft for the past ten years and has seen it evolve and change. We wish her well in the future. Mags has made the decision that now is the time to

18 move on to new challenges. On behalf of all the Traidcraft family we wish her well in the future”.

“I am pleased to announce that Andy Biggs, currently non-Executive Director of Traidcraft, will be taking on the role of Interim Managing Director and will be leading the organisation forward. We will be working together over the next few months to identify a successor as Traidcraft looks to the future.”

Mags Vaughan commented: “The last ten years have been incredible here at Traidcraft and I am very proud of what has been achieved in that time. I wish the organisation continued success in its mission to fight poverty through trade. It has been a privilege to serve amongst a team of such dedicated staff, supporters, producers and partners, united in a common goal and purpose”.

Commitment for Life (from Moving Stories 176)

Pouring oil on troubled waters

n 2003, after a closure lasting three years, Palestinian borders reopened. In those years of isolation imposed by the Israeli occupation, Palestinian olive farmers had I lost traditional overseas markets in the Gulf States for their olive oil. With a glut of high quality olive oil from a bumper harvest, Israeli traders were buying it up at below the cost of production. In that same year, Heather Masoud and I were staying with rural Palestinian communities to witness the effects of the occupation and intervene non-violently where requested. It was clear that the years of isolation and war had taken their toll on Palestinian families, many of whom lived below the poverty line. So we sent out an email asking friends and family to commit to buying Palestinian olive oil at a fair price. Our friends agreed but most people said, “It can’t be done”. Access and movement was restricted in Palestine, and economic activity had been stifled under the occupation, but these were the very barriers that inspired us to take action. 10 years on, Zaytoun has bought £3.5 million worth in products from Palestinian producers, launched the world’s first Fairtrade olive oil and sold 300 tonnes of oil to British consumers. It hasn’t been easy. When we initially explained the concept of Fairtrade to farmers, they were sceptical. Fairtrade and organic certification requires a commitment of time, energy and money – and it wasn’t immediately obvious to farmers how they would benefit. Enough of them agreed to give it a go, however, and in collaboration

19 with Canaan Fair Trade and the Fairtrade Foundation we started work toward the certification of the world’s first ever Fairtrade olive oil. We also worked with families growing dates, almonds, maftoul and herbs and we began bringing customers out to Palestine. Those encounters were life-changing for many of the visitors who were taken aback by the sheer scale of hardship for farmers. We also invited farmers over here during Fairtrade Fortnight so they could get to know the market, and share the story of their land and communities with our customers. “We don’t want aid, we want a strong Palestinian economy. You supporting us by buying our products is far more of an impact than any other type of support.” Odeh Qadi, Palestinian farmer In the 10 years since we started Zaytoun, the situation for farming families across the West Bank has deteriorated. Illegal settlements continue to grow, on fertile land stolen from around Palestinian villages, and land access is still highly restricted, resulting in high unemployment and a growing poverty rate. As I write this, I have read a report from Burin, one of the villages where our annual harvest team picks. Closures have cut inhabitants off from travel for work, study or socialising, so it is unclear how much of the harvest will be brought home through the roadblocks and checkpoints. Regardless of these difficulties, Palestinian farmers work hard to supply Zaytoun customers. They have won awards for the high quality of their products and sales continue to increase, not only among the politically motivated, but among customers who love artisan food and care about its provenance. Embedded in the products is the love of the Palestinian people for their land, their trees and the rich traditions of growing and cooking. As farmer Odeh Qadi explains: “We don’t want aid, we want a strong Palestinian economy. I respect and appreciate every single penny spent on buying this fair-trade Palestinian olive oil, because this money helps farmers in Palestine to stay on their land, and live in dignity regardless of the difficult situation we live in. You supporting us by buying our products is far more of an impact than any other type of support.” Cathi Pawson, co-founder. Heather Massoud and Cathi Pawson founded Zaytoun in 2004, inspired by peace missions to Palestine. The social enterprise was initially funded by hundreds of people willing to put up their money in advance of receiving their oil. It soon became clear that there was a huge demand for fairtrade Palestinian products in the UK. In 2006 a loan from Triodos Bank enabled Zaytoun to place another order with the Palestinian producers, and they began to bring in not only oil but maftoul (couscous), dates, za’atar spice, almonds and soap. In 2009 Zaytoun launched the world’s first ever Fairtrade olive oil. This article first appeared on the Tridos Bank website http://colour-of-money.co.uk/. Permission is given to reproduce.

Contributed by Wendy Firmin

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On This Day …

Reflecting on the significance of a seasonal story and the passing of another year, and on the need for the church to work with the circumstances of the world as it is.

From the Carrs Lane Journal December 1914

A Little Christmas Homily for Little People: Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh (“Octo”)

Matthew tells us they found “the young child” as He is so called, living with His mother in a house, having removed from the inn and the manger. The wise men, overjoyed at the successful termination of their quest, opened their treasures, very simple treasures they probably were, and presented their kindly loving gifts. Perhaps you want to ask me how many men there were in this group of seekers after Christ? I can’t say but I fancy that there were not less than three and probably not more.

Gold! The most precious thing the world contains, that is the common opinion. Those men came from a country where gold was not plentiful. You will find in Genesis occasions where payments were made in silver, never in gold. Gold was rare and precious, made up into small articles for decoration, as is still common in the East, or small articles passed from generation to generation, and made much of. The great artist Holman Hunt painted his celebrated picture of “The finding of the Saviour in the Temple” in Jerusalem. You will find the picture in our own art gallery, and you will notice that the artist has painted the boy Jesus in the greatest simplicity, not wearing any of the ornaments of gold we can imagine the wise men brought as presents. Gold therefore was the most precious and beautiful thing these men from the East had to bring to the new-born King.

Now what may be said to be the Christian spiritual equal of these precious gifts? First of all, gold. If I could hear your answer, with one accord you would say Love. Love is the gold of life, and as gold may be wrought into innumerable forms of adornment of graced or utility, so love has no equal among the Christian graces. Frankincense is an aromatic herb, which may be likened to the many kindly, lovable, gracious little acts that are so pleasant and pervade the life of some people like a sweet smell. There are many people who are not rich in gold whose lives are fragrant with beautiful words and deeds, the frankincense of life.

Myrrh, I think must be memory, remembrance. I fear we often remember things which are best forgotten and forget things which should be remembered. Let us now forget the things which we want to forget and see which things or kind of things we should try and fondly keep in our memory. What a memory Paul had for his friends whom he loved and had done him kindness at various times and in many places. In writing to the Philippian Church he says, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.” You would like some day for someone to say that about you. Finally I must ask you to note that one of the last acts of our Lord’s life was to institute a memorial service, “The Lord’s Supper,” as He said, “In remembrance of Me.” The Christian Church has almost universally understood this as a privilege. I think therefore we cannot be wrong in likening “Myrrh” to a loving remembrance.

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From the Carrs Lane Journal December 1964

The Church through the Looking Glass (H.W.C. Henderson)

Those present at the Sunday evening Conference at Carrs Lane on November 8th felt they were fortunate in hearing a very stimulating and thought-provoking talk by Mr. Penry Jones, Religious Programmes Officer of the Independent Television Authority. The speaker said he would be looking at the organised Church through the eyes of someone intimately connected with the modern mass medium of communication.

It was interesting to trace how methods for “getting the Christian message across” had developed from St. Paul on Mars Hill, through the hand-written documents of the early Church, the printing press capable of producing Bibles in large numbers, the popular preachers of an earlier generation, the radio, finally to television. There was no doubt that television had arrived.

The problems facing the Religious Programmes directors who want to reach the very large numbers of people who do in fact watch religious programmes on television – there is nothing else available between 6.15 and 7.30pm on Sundays! – are the same problems which should concern Church people very deeply. Some of these were discussed. For example, the first job of a missionary is to learn the language. The vast majority of the population do not go to Church, and therefore the T.V. producer must try and put himself in the shoes of the listener, and speak his language. For a preacher to use obscure symbolic images of God’s people, taken from the Old Testament, or to indulge in too much allegorical preaching, may result in his being totally incomprehensible to those outside the Church. We must be more direct and matter of fact in our method and in our speech.

Television advertisers try to create a “brand image” of their products. It would be salutary to find out exactly what others think of us – what their image of us is. Are we sufficiently concerned with the application of the faith we preach to everyday problems in industry, Trade Unions, commercial interests and professions? Do those who lead our various young people’s organisations find themselves equipped to face a world which rejects very largely the ideals and principles they have been taught?

The basic question is, “What do we believe about God?” A lot of people want to know. They will not just accept what we say because we say it. Mr. Jones urged the importance of being prepared, if necessary, to change the pattern of our buildings, our services and our approach because of the importance of the missionary work of the Church, which is to make real contact with the “outsider”, and so carry on the work started by our Lord.

From the Carrs Lane Journal January 1915 (Editorial)

Traditional usage has long ordained that we should make the passage between one year and another an opportunity for retrospect and prospect. “Time and tide wait for

22 no man,” but it is man’s privilege and right to make for himself a little isle of meditation amidst the swiftly hurrying stream to ponder the course he has followed and the journey he has yet to take. This year such opportunities will be more generally used than is our wont. We have been living through events whose importance and significance both for the world and the church few among us have grasped. Amid the daily stir and excitement of new happenings it is difficult for any man to think out the meaning of things or to gain the larger vision which covers the whole. For such a view many of us will be groping as one year gives place to another. And the very effort to find it will result in conflicting moods. If we were to make a pilgrimage of imagination to the dawn of 1914 we should realise how few signs we saw of the coming storm. Our thoughts and anticipations bore no trace of what was to come upon us. If we could revive our mental outlook of a year ago and review it in the light of this year’s events we should realise how true it is that today we are living in a new world. But to follow that line of thought too far would result in a crippling sense of Time’s uncertainties. And we must look back to better purpose than that. Let us make another journey of imagination. Who among us would have dreamed that in the midst of the greatest war in the world’s history our land would enjoy the security she does today? We had all feared what would happen when the terrible thing came upon us. And now the terrible thing has come but without the things which we had feared. Considering what is happening so close to our doors, the state of the nation is little short of a miracle. For this we have much to thank our statesmen, our soldiers and our sailors. But we should fail to grasp the deepest fact in the situation if we did not look up to see God’s guiding hand and His protecting care. No soul which thinks can meditate on the past year without an overflowing gratitude. And it is only in that spirit of gratitude to God that we shall be guarded against the dangers of our security. For there are dangers in it. If the nation takes its good fortune as a matter of course it will inevitably fall the victim of the slack and easy-going spirit, and its security will prove to be its greatest peril. For whatever this new year is going to show in the record of outward events, it will make the most searching demands both on the church and the nation. It will test us as we have never been tested before. The best equipment to meet that test is gratitude for God’s protecting hand in the past and for the future vigilance and trust.

From the Carrs Lane Journal January 1965

Behold I will do a new thing (Isaiah 43.19) by John Weller

I have been asked to set down for this New Year issue of the Journal something of what I said at Carrs Lane in a sermon on Advent Sunday. The theme belongs as much to the beginning of the calendar as to the beginning of the Christian year.

The prophet of the exile, speaking to a despairing people, reminds them – as he reminds us – of the kind of God we believe in. He is a God who does things – new things. He is indeed a God who makes all things new. This is the God who has come to us – right down to earth, in human terms – in Jesus Christ, to begin his new creation. There we see what He is really like: he is as we know him in Jesus Christ. And it is he, in creation and re-creation, who takes the initiative. So this season proclaims, and not just this season but the whole Gospel, and the whole witness of

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Scripture, and the whole Christian year: “Behold,” he says, “I will do – I am doing – a new thing.” Consider a little further what this challenges us to believe and to discern.

First, it means that God is doing new things in this contemporary world of rapid and revolutionary change. More than ever, amidst the complex revolutions of our time, we need to remember that this is still God’s world. He is the God of creation (not just of something called “religion”) and the Lord of history. In it all he is at work for good with those who love him, reconciling the world to himself, gathering up all things in Christ. The urgent crises of our time are precisely his judgments (the New Testament word is crisis), the inescapable choices which his re-creating purpose sets before mankind. And we are called to work with him in the world. That is what the Church is – his instrument of reconciliation and renewal of the world.

So to the second challenge to faith and expectancy: God is doing new things in his Church. His judgment and mercy that are at work in the world must begin for us at the house of God. Surely this too is happening today. For many the Church may seem the least revolutionary of societies, the least open to change. And yet, across this last fifty (still more the last fifteen and even the last five) years, the revolutions have been gathering momentum in the Church as well: the renewal of biblical faith and understanding; the liturgical revival; the rediscovery of the “laity”; the renewed concern for the Church’s total ministry and mission. All these new things have been caught up and focused in what we have come to call the “ecumenical movement”, which means quite simply the renewal of the whole Church by the whole Gospel into the wholeness of its life for the sake of the whole world. The Faith and Order Conference held in September 1964 was so deeply impressed by the renewal already experienced in our common understanding of the Church’s ministry and mission “in each place” that it felt constrained to call the churches to covenant together for union by a specific date, which it dared to hope might not be later than Easter Day 1980. A new chapter of challenge and opportunity is thus opened to us.

That brings me to something else that all this means. God is doing new things “in each place.” Congregationalists especially should rejoice at this new insistence that the real centre of the Church’s life and the real frontier of its mission is not “anywhere else” but precisely “in each place” where Christians are! “If you want to make a thing real,” said Chesterton, “make it local.” If the “new thing” that God promises is to come to pass in his world, and in his Church for the sake of his world, then it must happen here; here in the heart of Birmingham; here at Carrs Lane; here, beginning with you. One of the great encouragements of this time is the way in which the local renewal of the Church is beginning to happen. Surely Birmingham, this great city in process of striking physical renewal, should be such a place. And surely Carrs Lane, with its pioneering past and its “future all unknown”, should be a centre of such renewal. This is your high responsibility and privilege at this very time. There is the promise, not just to you but through you to all in each place: “Behold,”saith the Lord, “I will do a new thing.” Contributed by Wendy Firmin

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Crossed paths…

ome pastorates containing more than one congregation invest a lot of time and energy in effective sharing and co-operation; others simply bring together S responsibility for more than one decidedly separate congregation under a particular minister or ministers. I had always assumed that the linking of Carrs Lane and Trinity represented the latter ‘model’… but a careful reading of Rev. E.M. Dodd’s ‘Chronicle’ has revealed that it was not always so!

Let us go back to the very earliest days of Trinity… ‘On May 17th 1923, a meeting was held, by the invitation of Mr and Mrs Lamprell, at 34, Southam Road, with a view to consolidating a nucleus of persons interested in the proposal to plant a Congregational Church in Hall Green. The gathering was addressed by Rev. Leyton Richards, M.A., Minister of Carrs Lane Church, whose continual interest in the emergence of Hall Green Church was a great encouragement for many years. From the meeting there sprang a group, or ‘cell’ of people who promised to undertake the canvass of the Robin Hood district on behalf of the proposed church, with a view to enlisting the sympathy of the residents with the venture…’

We move on a little… ‘Only four months after the laying of the foundation stone, the Church was opened on October 30th 1929…In the evening, a Public Meeting was held and inspiring addresses were given by the Rev. Leyton Richards, M.A., of Carrs Lane, and Rev. E. Benson Perkins, of the Methodist City Mission’.

When the congregation was duly ‘constituted’ as a church, we read the following… ‘January 1st 1930…another meeting was held formally to receive into fellowship all those who desired to be transferred from other churches…fifty-four were present to receive the right hand of fellowship from the Rev. Leyton Richards, who spoke on the principles and duties of church membership…’

Leyton Richards was an articulate and committed pacifist, well-known beyond Birmingham; perhaps it should come as no surprise to encounter the following words: ‘One of the happiest features of the church’s life at this time was its sensitiveness to Public Questions. The infant church in Etwall Rooad had a mature conscience. On January 15th 1930 – for instance – Mr R. Akers, the church secretary (who moved from Carrs Lane to support the new ‘cause’), proposed and Mr Saunders seconded a resolution that was forwarded to H.M. Government; the terms of the resolution were as follows – ‘that this congregation desire to inform His Majesty’s Ministers of their earnest desire and prayer for the success of the Naval Disarmament Conference, and trust that it will issue not in mere limitation, but in a substantial reduction in armaments’.

Of Mr Akers, we read as follows: ‘As one looks back on the records of those early days at Etwall Road, the impression deepens that the church was fortunate in its secretary, Mr Robert Akers. From Carrs Lane Church, Mr Akers brought to Hall Green a high conception of nonconformist churchmanship and he gave to the fellowship at Etwall Road the service of his life in admirable thoroughness and gracious modesty’.

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A final reference to Leyton Richards concerns the ordination and induction of the first stipendiary minister of the church: ‘The ordination of Mr Calvin was held on September 24th 1930. The presiding minister was the Rev. Leyton Richards…’

No surprise, really; the relationship between this new church in the developing suburbs and an historic congregation in the centre of the city was clearly very close indeed eighty-five years ago. Neil

Forgive me my ‘trespasses’…

n a recent visit to South Wales, I’m afraid that I indulged in a spot of trespassing; I don’t think that anybody saw me – certainly, nobody tackled me O about it afterwards. With hindsight, I am glad that I did it, though I am not quite sure what the abiding lessons of my ‘straying from the path’ will prove to be…

Let me put things in context. About thirty years ago, the National Museum of Wales held a major exhibition – and published a supporting book – on, ‘Welsh Chapels’. A well-thumbed copy sits on my bookshelves; if you wish to borrow it, I definitely want it back! It offers a chronological journey through the building of chapels…and flags issues of conservation and preservation which were acutely pressing, even thirty years ago. The photographs document buildings – many central to their communities, many adaptable to new uses, some of considerable architectural merit – which could/should be preserved. Very, very difficult, not least because some of the buildings are located in deprived communities which have experienced accelerated social change in the past few decades.

I have visited a good number of these buildings over the years; I have led worship in several, including at least one – the old 1,200-seat Blaenau Gwent Baptist Church – which has since been demolished. At the beginning of November, I had the opportunity to visit the former Welsh-speaking Methodist Church in Pontardawe…no great shakes architecturally, but an early twentieth-century building which offers a rare nod in the direction of the ‘arts and crafts’ movement. I don’t know when it closed, but I do know now that all the interior woodwork has been stripped out for resale…and that there have been times when it has been a popular meeting place for local youths. A little judicious (injudicious?) jiggling of hardboard, and it was easy to have a good look around at what is left; the shell seemed safe enough. A depressing experience, especially on a very wet day; the echoes of the past could not be silenced completely.

Now, I believe passionately that the church is people and not buildings; if we are to be people on the move, then we must be prepared to leave buildings behind on occasion; during the course of my ministry, I have been involved with the complete re-ordering of buildings – and the demolition of buildings – in order to ensure that there may be a way forward for the People of God in a particular place. Even allowing for a love of history and an interest in art, I am not precious about buildings…and, yet, well, there are times when I don’t think that my ‘theology’ of the places where we worship is as robust or coherent as it could be or should be. Neil

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The Subversive Christmas Songsheet

n the past, the period leading up to Christmas was regarded as a serious time of reflection. The Advent season was a solemn reminder of the coming of God in I judgement and mercy. In modern Britain, however, Advent is mainly associated with the Advent calendar – complete with a chocolate for each day.

An anthropologist from Mars visiting planet Earth could be forgiven for thinking that the Christmas season was a celebration of its own peculiar god, whose name is Father Christmas or Santa Claus. This deity turns out to be the god of money who presides over the Christmas festivities in one of his most popular forms, the Christmas present, or the commodity. The result of this change of emphasis is all too frequently not so much joy as worry, financial anxiety and a unique loneliness felt on this most family of festivals.

The Subversive Christmas Songsheet is a good-humoured but satirical response to the excessive consumption which is for many of us the main feature of Christmas. The songs draw attention to the creation of debt; they ridicule the banks, the credit card managers and other money gods; they draw contrasts between the hope and joy of the real Christmas and the parody of it created by the financial system working on human desire. Many of the best-loved carols are given an irreverent and slightly cheeky twist. The songs may be amusing but the underlying message is of protest and a call to repentance.

On the afternoon of Wednesday 10 December, staff and students from the Queen’s Foundation will be singing subversive Christmas songs and holding a Robin Hood advocacy event in the city centre. They will gather near the bull statue in the Bull Ring to begin singing by 2.00pm. Mark Earey and John Hull

Away in a sweatshop (Tune: Away in a Manger)

Away in a sweatshop, No playtime, no schooling, a pittance for pay, no medical care - are children like ours, for these sweatshop children who slave night and day. there's nothing that's fair. The bosses above them look down where they are, Be near me, cheap clothing, the world's poorest children, I ask thee to stay. with no Christmas star. Don't charge me fair prices or give them fair pay. No presents, no Santa, Bless all sweatshop workers no parties, no cake, at Christmas this year, Just long hours of working, but don't ask hard questions our bargains to make. about all my gear. Mark Earey

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Kids Page Unscramble the words below:

Find your way to put the stocking on the fireplace Q. What did Mrs. Claus say when she looked in the sky? A. "Looks like rain, dear."

Q. What kind of bug hates Christmas? A. A humbug.

Q. What do they sing under the ocean during the winter? A. Christmas Corals!

Q. What did the Christmas tree say to the ornament? A. "Aren't you tired of hanging around?"

Q. Why do mummies like Christmas so much? A. Because of all the wrapping!

Q. Why are there only snowmen and not snowwomen? A. Because only men would stand out in the snow without a coat.

Q. What's the best thing to give your parents for Christmas? A. A list of everything you want!

Q. How do you know when Santa's in the room? A. You can sense his presents. Q. What is invisible and smells like milk and cookies? A. Santa's burps! 28

Christmas Puzzles

Acrostic

The initials and final letters of the uprights form a seasonal greeting of six words. Most of the clues have a Christmas flavour, and most were originally used in the Journal for December 1965.

1. Reading here from left to right, what the shepherds kept at night. (5) 2. Eastern country, so say some, whence the three wise men did come. (5) 3. Three of these making their way were once espied on Christmas Day. (5) 4. Painful spasm, oft repeating, sad result of over-eating. (6) 5. Of this with holly now we sing, whose foremost feature is to cling. (3) 6. The first three letters here we view of him who’s Santa Claus to you. (3) 7. Glory to the Lord above, sending us his gift of Love. (3, 2, 4) 8. ’Twas here on sacrificing bent that Abraham and Isaac went. (6) 9. Add ‘on’: a bulb in common use provides the stuffing for the goose. (5) 10. To loft or attic make your way; ‘and so to bed’ to end the day. (8) 11. Twelfth foundation stone this gem of the New Jerusalem. (8) 12. Tepid: here a censure is seen of the city in 13. (8) 13. See above (8) 14. Songs of praise the angels sang when with these the heavens rang. (9)

What am I?

(I do have a well-known association with Christmas, here at least!)

My first is in MISTLETOE but not in HOLLY; My second’s in ICE CREAM but isn’t in LOLLY; My third’s not in RING but is in DOORBELl; My fourth’s in WEIHNACHTEN but not in NOËL; My fifth’s in THANKSGIVING and GRATITUDE too; My sixth is in GREETINGS but not HOW D’YOU DO?; My seventh’s in CHRISTMAS, and FESTIVITIES too; My eighth is in PRESENT and ‘SPECIALLY FOR YOU’; My last’s in the FROST and spreads north to the Pole, And the season’s hard ground leads to my bleak whole.

Contributed by Wendy Firmin

Please send your contribution for next month’s Journey to the Editor, Mrs. Pat Davies, Carrs Lane URC, Carrs Lane, Birmingham, B4 7SX or by email to [email protected].

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Homelessness at Christmas time - a reflection by Janice Clark

Sheltering God, your protection for us Yet for many this is their home is made known where new life is conceived, in images of rock and mountain, where love is shown, wings and arms, where characters are formed, tent and fold. where faith is passed on A protection that makes us and where an understanding of your feel safe, secure, and confident - protection with knowledge and assurance that Is experienced. removes our vulnerability, and our loneliness, God, fully human, yet fully divine, our fears and our doubts. you know what it is like You have promised to be a constant to be have no real home - presence, born into a stable, light, warmth and comfort, no vacancies in the places of never failing, always near. hospitality, forced to flee as a refugee And yet, within your world with life threatening attempts on your thousands of people lack shelter life. and cannot really call where they live a home. In the seasons of Advent and Their lives are impoverished, Christmas living in a space put together your frailty is remembered, from whatever scraps they can gather. your vulnerability acknowledged, The rain leaks through, your purpose for the world revered. the heat of the sun is brutal, the dust irritates Come again, to give protection and water and airborne diseases and shelter. flourish. Come again to strengthen the weak and to subdue the proud. Come to our own vulnerability and enable all to offer hope to a world in need.

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Room Hire at Carrs Lane

Carrs Lane Conference Centre Ltd is in Birmingham city centre and within a few minutes walk of New Street and Moor Street train stations and the National Express coach station. Public car parking and bus stops are also nearby.

The Conference Rooms on offer are of several sizes and situated on three floors. We can support most types of events. Rooms can accommodate from 6 up to 350 delegates. You will find that our prices are very competitive. Our staff will be pleased to discuss ideas for your event with you and advise on the suitability of our facilities.

Hot and cold drinks can be supplied in the meeting rooms as often as required. Buffet meals can be pre-ordered. These range from a simple sandwich menu to a full buffet

Full details and prices are available on our website, www.carrslane.co.uk., or you may call the conference team on 0121 643 6151 if you have any questions or email [email protected].

Open here in the city at The Church at Carrs Lane Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am - 2.30pm and after morning worship on first and third Sundays Visit us for your Fair Trade needs - Traidcraft foods, gifts and much else - 0121 643 6151 [email protected]

www.carrslane.co.uk

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The Church at Carrs Lane Regular Activities

SUNDAYS

Morning Worship Every Sunday at 10.30am with Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month

Children’s Church Second Sunday at 2.30pm

Radical Worship Fourth Sunday at 6.00pm

First Sunday Lunch First Sunday each month at 12.30pm

Church Meeting Second Sunday at 12 noon

Singing Group Third Sunday 9.45 – 10.15am

WEEK DAYS

Carrs Lane Lived Community meet for Prayers - Monday to Friday 7.30am and 7.00pm, all are welcome to join them

Lunchtime Healing Service Every Wednesday 1.15pm

Prayer Group First Wednesday at 7.00 pm

Thinking Allowed First Thursday at 10.15 am

Harborne House Group Fourth Tuesdays 2.00pm (various locations)

Central House Group at Carrs Lane Third Wednesdays at 6.30pm

Carrs Lane Choir Practice Fridays at 7.00pm

Carrs Lane Players (drama group) Fridays at 7.45 pm

Charity Knitting Circle First Tuesday 10.00 am - 1.00 pm

Carrs Lane Walking Group usually meets monthly, see notice board

Fair Trade Shop First and Third Sunday after morning worship and Tuesday - Saturday 10.30 am - 2.30 pm

Counselling Centre Monday - Friday 11.00 am - 1.30 pm and Monday to Wednesday evenings 7.00 - 9.00 pm

Contact details for The Church at Carrs Lane

Carrs Lane, Birmingham, B4 7SX Telephone 0121 643 6151 Fax 0121 631 2118 www.carrslane.co.uk

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