1 - A PRAYER - WHEN THE EARTH WAS DARK
2 - REGULAR SERVICES TO BE HELD AT THE SCOUT HEADQUARTERS ON
RAD VALLEY ROAD
3 - JUNIOR CHOIR CLUB
4 - COLD WEATHER APPEAL
5 - WEST MERCIA POLICE COMMUNITY MESSAGING SERVICE

1. A PRAYER - WHEN THE EARTH WAS DARK

When the world was dark and the city was quiet, you came
You crept in beside us and no one knew
Only the few who dared to believe that God may do something different
Will you do the same this year Lord?
Will you come into the darkness of today's world
Not the friendly darkness as when sleep rescues us from tiredness
But the fearful darkness in which people have stopped believing
THAT WAR WILL END
OR THAT FOOD WILL COME
OR THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL CHANGE
OR THAT THE CHURCH CARES
Will you come into the darkness and do something different
To save the people from death and despair
Will you come into the quietness of this town
Not the friendly quietness as when lovers hold hands
But the fearful silence
WHEN THE PHONE HAS NOT RUNG
THE LETTER HAS NOT ARRIVED
THE FRIENDLY VOICE NO LONGER SPEAKS
THE DOCTOR'S VOICE SAYS IT ALL
Will you come into that darkness and do something different
Not to distract but to embrace your people
And will you come into the dark corners
And the quiet places of our lives
We ask this not because we are guilt ridden or want to be
But because the fullness our lives long for
Depends on us being as open and vulnerable to you
As you were to us when you came
Wearing no more than nappies
And trusting human hands to hold their maker
Will you come into our lives if we open them to you
And do something different?
When the world was dark and the city was quiet you came
You crept in beside us
Do the same this year Lord
Do the same this year
AMEN

From "Cloth for the Cradle" - by the Iona Community

3 - JUNIOR CHOIR CLUB

Do you have children, grandchildren, friends or neighbours who are 7 years of age or over and enjoy singing and playing games? We meet at 6.15pm every Wednesday during term time in the old school Welshpool Road. After a fast, furious and FUN session of games we have juice and a biscuit before going into church to learn new songs and hymns until 7.30pm. On the first Sunday of every month we join the senior choir at the Family Service and usually sing a song on our own. We are especially looking forward to singing a new Christmas song at the Christingle, Carol and Crib services. It would be really nice if other children wanted to join us. Come along on a Wednesday evening, meet us or ring Rev. Sue on 232774, John on 236633 or Linda on 232214.

4 - COLD WEATHER APPEAL

With this current cold weather I'm sure that we all feel for the vulnerable homeless people of our society. No matter how they have come to be homeless we are all God's people. Jesus Christ spent a lot of his time with the sick and needy. At the back of our Church we have a box for non-perishable foods. If you can contribute in any way either ring Margaret on 356299 or the "ARC" opposite the railway station on will be glad of any help - food, bedding, warm clothing or even a donation. Thanking you in anticipation.

5 - From the West Mercia Police Community Messaging Service

Residents are advised not to take on any work from people calling door to door. NEVER make rash decisions, if you need work doing always ensure you get at least 2 quotes for the work and take advice from friends or relatives. Don't be pressurized by time limited offers and sales people demanding you make up your mind immediately. Don't offer any personal information to the caller. People should not let strangers calling at their homes without prior appointment inside under any circumstances, even if they offer identity. Don't let them in, close the door and call the police if you have any Concerns on 0800 555 111