church family news
We continue to bring our weekly news via this page.
Please check the tabs for individual groups
and the 'What's On' tab for more updates
If you need to get a message to anyone on this page please use the "Contact Us" page on this website.
If you have any items you'd like us to include again please tell Maureen Jeavons or Eileen Adams
God
bless you
all
Stay
Joyful
Keep the Faith
Do the Little Things
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If you need, or you hear of any one else who needs
PASTORAL SUPPORT
please contact EILEEN ADAMS who in turn will inform the Minister and your own pastoral visitor
If you have COVID (or any other problem) contact Eileen or Sarah Shaw
and we can arrange help through our "Helping hands" group.
This is a group of very willing helpers so please don't struggle alone
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Prayer Room open from 10.00
am
(The prayer room is at the end of the long corridor at the side of the worship area)
this week April 21st
Worship led by
Rev Peter Brown
PLEASE NOTE: CHURCH AGM will follow worship
Preparing for worship 10.25
NEXT WEEK
Worship will be led by Rev Joseph Suray
is available after the service
and.....
Tuesday 23rd April 2.00 – 2.30 pm A SHORT AFTERNOON SERVICE
Led by Rev. Peter Brown. This service is offered particularly, but not exclusively, for those who find it difficult to attend Sunday morning worship.
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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS April 20th
Lindsey and Cara send the following message
following Chris Webb’s funeral
Thank you so much to everyone who attended mom's funeral and for all the support and generous donations.
The total raised was over £1600 for Mary Stevens Hospice and Pancreatic Cancer Uk. This is a lovely tribute to her and we are extremely grateful for your kindness.
Thank you again
Lindsey and Cara
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Sunday May 5th
Alex Grubb will be baptised and his parents Harriet and Anthony would love the church family to join with them afterwards for refreshments to celebrate the baptism of this little one and spend time with one another as his extended church family
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GRIEF CAFE
Grief Café. Our numbers are growing and we really need more volunteers. If you feel able to support us in this way please contact Joy, Eileen or Cathy so that we can chat to you about what’s involved and training will be arranged.
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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Training
The Methodist Church has brought in mandatory EDI training for certain positions held within our churches. This includes: ministers, local preachers, stewards, worship leaders, safe-guarding officers and lay workers. It is also encouraged that pastoral visitors or those who work with children and young people complete the training. Those involved with Girls’ Brigade will be covered by their own GB training. However, the training is free and is open to anyone within the life of our church and if we are involved in volunteering at a group within our Churches we are encouraged to complete it.
There is the opportunity to complete the training online. It takes about 2 hours to complete and is quite easy to follow. You need to create an account but then can enrol on the course:
https://mcb.theologyx.com/course/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-foundation-module/
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PRAYER
Eternal God of Shalom,
we pray for all working for justice and reconciliation in the Holy Land.
Gracious Spirit of Salaam, we pray for wisdom and tolerance
among all people for whom Israel and Palestine are Holy.
Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, pour Your inclusive, healing love
on people who are frightened, oppressed, bereaved or defiant.
We pray so earnestly for a just and equal sharing of this beautiful, divided and scarred land.
Lord in Your Mercy, Hear our Prayer Amen
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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS April 12th
Marie Austin celebrates her 80th birthday on April 19th
Happy Birthday
Marie
Congratulations to George and Katy Mitchell on the birth of your daughter Etty Mae, born on 1st April, a great granddaughter for Audrey Beasley.
Sheila Hannan had knee replacement surgery on March 29th and is now recovering at home. We hold you in our love and prayers Sheila
THIS WEEK
WEDNESDAY Fellowship Group 2.30 pm
We're looking at the Beatitudes, exploring the countercultural words of Jesus in Matthew 5. You're welcome to join us
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PRAYER
Awesome, Almighty God
This week we have been awed by the wonders of Your creation
People have witnessed the light we take for granted extinguished by the solar eclipse.
We are overwhelmed by the unimaginable greatness of galaxies – stars flung into space, so many planets and stars light years away.
And yet, You care for each one of us. Lord our God – how great You are.
We offer You our love and our worship and pray that you may use us as Your hands, feet, voice in this world. You ask us to be stewards of Your creation, just where we are. Help us Lord to be worthy stewards. Amen
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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS April 5th
Lent Lunch – Thank you for donations made at the Lent Lunch which totalled £160. This has been passed on to Christian Aid.
Thank you so much for all your cards and good wishes on our Diamond Wedding Anniversary. It was a very special time for us. The love of our Church Family has surrounded us through the years and means so much to us.
God bless you all John and Maureen xx
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Sat April 6th Grief Cafe 10.00 am – 12.00 noon We offer a listening ear in a safe and friendly environment to all who are suffering from grief. Please know that we can always be reached by email : halesowengriefcafe@gmail.com or tel: 07835200939.
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HOLIDAY CLUB 2024
Time has flown so fast since our amazing holiday club last Summer. It is hard to believe we now have a 5 month old baby! Steve and I love holiday club and therefore would like to offer to organise another one this Summer if there is sufficient availability of other helpers.
At least one school in Halesowen is still open to pupils on the last day of term which is Monday 22nd July. Therefore we would like to offer a 3 or 4 day club from Tuesday 23rd July, running mornings at Hasbury Methodist. We've had lots of positive feedback on using it as a joint venture between Hasbury and Short Cross and will therefore use the same format again this year.
We have emailed those who have been previously involved but anyone is welcome to join the team. Please let us know if you would like any more information on what is involved. DBS checks can be arranged for anyone who doesn't have one.
If you would like to be involved, please let us know by Saturday 20th April so we can plan accordingly at rachel_charlton13@hotmail.co.uk. Everyone can support us through prayer and we are very grateful for those who continue to support us in this way.
Thank you as always,
Rachel and Steve
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PRAYER (from Methodist Prayer Handbook)
I lift my eyes to the trees
Majestic canopy in city square, flourishing in a field hedge, thorn on a rocky outcrop.
I shuffle leaves, pick fruit and plant acorns.
But I like wood floors, beams in cathedrals and old ships.
Forests are fought over and industrial logging endangers all life.
Yet as biblical people met God under landmark trees, all creation meets heaven on the Cross.
That tree of life, love, death and hope.
Forever attractive to artists, trees yield new truths to science every day, their rings tell secrets of the long past, their roots talk along a web.
Home to diverse creatures and best of all, they capture carbon.
Creator God, turn my awe for trees into respectful living.
Amen
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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS March 29TH
Dave William’s funeral be on Wednesday 3rd April at 1.45 pm at Rowley Regis Crematorium and afterwards at Hasbury Conservative Club, Blackberry Lane, Halesowen.
No Flowers please, but donations will be welcome and will go to the Forget-Me-Not Dementia Ward at Russells Hall Hospital. Any money raised will go towards enhancing the environment and comfort of the patients – local people, from Dudley borough.
Sheila x
We hold Sheila, Kevin, Kathryn and family in our love and prayers
(Please could you make any cheques payable to Sheila Williams for easier processing of donations
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Will Plant celebrates his 21st Birthday on March 29th. Happy Birthday Will
Sophie Plant celebrates her 18th Birthday on April 3rd. Happy Birthday Sophie
Margaret Vercoe celebrates her 80th Birthday on April 6th.
Happy Birthday Margaret
The Hasbury Church family send their congratulations , love and best wishes to Maureen and John as they celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on March 30th.
May God richly bless you both into the future.
COMING SOON......
Sunday April 21st Church AGM will be held following morning worship
This very important meeting will consider the future of our church.
Please come along and be oart of this conversation.
COFFEE MORNING SATURDAY APRIL 27th 10.30 am – 12.0 noon
BUGS Ukelele Group will be entertaining us from 11.00 am - 12.00 noon
AROUND THE CIRCUIT….
CIRCUIT PRAYER DAY Sat 11th May 10.00 am – 1.00 pm
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CHURCH GARDENS
Thank you to those who give their time to care for our church gardens. Madge Smith plants the flowers just outside the church entrance and has a request for some soil. If you are emptying baskets/ planters, please could you leave some unwanted soil in a bag under the cover at the rear of the church – she doesn’t need a huge amount, just enough to add to the garden there.
We have 3 pairs of Merry Mowers – if you’d like to volunteer to join the rota to care for the lawns, please speak to Dave Raxster or John Jeavons
And if you notice any part of the gardens that need attention – please feel free to dig in.
CHURCH STEWARDS
Church Stewards are a vital part of our church. At present we have 3 stewards, Maureen Stanley, Dave Raxster and Jan Lear. Jan has been very poorly. She’s now recovering but will need to rest for a number of weeks until she regains her strength. We hold you in our prayers Jan.
Maureen and Jan also lead Junior Church and Dave is Property Steward.
We have a REAL need for more stewards to join the team to lessen their load.
Stewards liaIse with the preacher, organist and tech person to ensure all is ready for worship. There is a requirement for stewards to be members of the Methodist Church.
The more stewards there are, the less times they are on duty. PLEASE consider if you would be able to serve as a steward – talk to Maureen, Dave or Jan and they will answer any queries you have.
JOAN BUSBY
If you’re able to visit Joan Busby she and the family would be very appreciative. But, so that we don’t all go on the same day, could you please let Eileen know when you plan to go. Or if you suddenly find you have time please give her a call.
Joan is in Amberley Care Home 481-483 Stourbridge Rd, Brierley Hill DY5 1LB
tel: 01384 482365
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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS March 22nd
GRIEF CAFE
Halesowen Grief Café meets on the FIRST Saturday of each month from 10.00 - 12.00.We’re delighted to say that word is spreading and our numbers are growing. However that means that we need more volunteers. So, our question is this: could you become a volunteer to join our team? We need men and women to join us (at present we have a ratio of 4 men to one lady so it would be good to have some more men on the team). We will give all the training needed and will have a chat with you to see where your skills could best be used. We DONT give either counselling or advice. We DO offer a safe and relaxed environment, refreshments, friendship and a listening ear.
If you’d like to know more please contact Eileen
Adams or Joy Jones
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CHANGE TO PASTORAL CARE SYSTEM
I (Eileen Adams) am now the Pastoral Care co-ordinator for Hasbury. Please could you let me know if you, or anyone you know from our church family, is ill or in need of help. Then the pastoral care visitor and the Minister will be informed quickly. Please don’t assume we already know.
At the same time contact me if you don’t know who YOUR pastoral care visitor is. There have been a lot of changes over recent months as folk adapt to changed circumstances. We are here to support one another and we want to make sure we do that for everyone. Be assured that confidences will be strictly kept.
Every Blessing, Eileen
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BLACK COUNTRY FOODBANK REQUIREMENTS
More people are in need of support, and the following items are needed to help:-
Cartons of long life milk and fruit juice Cordial/ Squash
Small jars of coffee Tinned chopped tomatoes Tinned potatoes / Mash
Tinned fruit Tinned custard / rice pudding Tinned fish
Tinned ready meals (meatballs / chilli / mac & cheese) Tinned Fray Bentos pies
Tinned vegetables Tinned meat (ham / corned beef) Breakfast cereal
Pasta sauce Savoury rice Instant noodles
Roll on deodorant Shampoo Shower
gel Toilet rolls Bars of soap
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PRAYER
We pray to you, Lord of palm-branches and the cross, for you understand us and in love you have promised not to push away any who come to you.
So we pray for people who feel pushed away and isolated
We pray for your church that all those who trust in You may be able to live in humility
We pray to you, Lord of palm-branches and the cross,
for you know the warm glow of being praised and the loneliness of being hated.
We pray for world leaders,
quick to stand in the limelight taking decisions which affect everyone in the world
but slow at times to do the steady, less glamorous work to which they are called.
We pray for world leaders to understand their role to serve the peoples of the world,
In days when food banks are needed in to feed families who struggle to provide the basics for life, we ask that You will re-arrange our priorities and help us to live more like You.
We pray to you, Lord of palm-branches and the cross, because you know how quickly life changes to death.
We pray for those who have recently lost those whom they have loved.
In the shock, confusion, pain and sorrow especially of unexpected loss,
we pray for hearts to be open to the comfort of your Spirit, shown through friendship and community
We remember those we know who mourn in these days,
who need to be sure that you invite those in sorrow to turn to you;
We ask, God of grace, that you will help us to be faithful.
To show our praise in the way we live
Bless all that we do in Your name Amen
(adapted from a prayer on the Church of Scotland website)
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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS March 15th
TRAIDPOINT SHOP AND ST. JOHN’S CAFE
at the parish church needs our
support
A variety of fair trade goods, cards and gifts are available.
It is run by volunteers from Churches Together in Halesowen who are committed to supporting fair trade producers in the global south.
Opening hours from January 2024 Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Refreshments Available - enjoy a fair-trade hot drink, with complimentary fair-trade biscuits, for £1
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PRAYER
We hold in prayer all those in many places in our world who are suffering from conflict.
Lord we lift to you the innocent who live in fear – who have lost loved ones and who have life changing injuries. Those who have fled their homes, and the many who have no home to return to.
We pray for all who risk their lives to protect their people and their country
We pray for all who are working to provide humanitarian aid and all who are working for peace.
We hold in our prayers the situation in Gaza – Lord we pray for a ceasefire and a lasting peace. Breathe your Holy Spirit into the hearts and minds of those who are striving to bring this about, and give a willingness for a peaceful solution to the leaders of both Israel and Palestine
Lord in Your mercy hear our prayer Amen
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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
March 1st
The funeral of Chris Webb will be held on Wednesday 6th March, at 11.40pm, Stourbridge crematorium. Afterwards there will be a celebration of her life from 1.00pm at Hagley golf club.
We look forward to seeing you. Instead of flowers we are asking for donations to Mary Stevens Hospice and Pancreatic cancer UK.
Also we are so thankful for all the cards, flowers, messages, prayers, love and support in the last few days, we really appreciate the kindness everyone has shown.
Cara and Lindsey
We hold Cara and Lindsey and their families in our love and prayers
Marjorie Homer has passed away. Marjorie was a member of Romsley Methodist Church who gave long and faithful service and is now safely with the Lord. We hold Sharon and family in our love and prayers
Rest in peace Marjorie
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The total raised by our Book & Jigsaw Coffee Morning was £525.50. Thank you to all who supported and many thanks to all who worked so hard to set up, sell and clear away
STAMPS
We are now able to collect used postage stamps again
We can pass them on to a contact who collects them for RNIB and RNID
If you can trim a small margin around each stamp, that would be helpful.
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TRAIDPOINT SHOP AND ST. JOHN’S CAFE
at the parish church needs our support
A variety of fair trade goods, cards and gifts are available.
It is run by volunteers from Churches Together in Halesowen who are committed to supporting fair trade producers in the global south.
Opening hours from January 2024 Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Refreshments Available - enjoy a fair-trade hot drink, with complimentary fair-trade biscuits, for £1
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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS February 24th
Dave Williams passed peacefully away at home on Monday February 19th with Sheila at his side. We hold Sheila, Kathryn and Kevin and family in our love and prayers.
Rest in peace Dave.
Alice Harris has passed away on February 9th at age 98. Alice was a part of our church family for as long as she was able and I know some of you will remember her. She passed peacefully away on Friday 9th February. We hold her daughters Joan and Sandra and family in our love and prayers.
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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS February 17th
Our dear friend Chris Webb passed peacefully away on Friday 9th February. Rest in peace Chris, safely with your Lord and reunited with your husband Leigh.
We hold Cara and Lindsey and all of the family in our love and prayers
The funeral will be held on Wednesday 6th March, at 11.40pm, Stourbridge crematorium. Afterwards there will be a celebration of her life from 1.00pm at Hagley golf club. We look forward to seeing you. Instead of flowers we are asking for donations to Mary Stevens hospice and Pancreatic cancer UK.
Also we are so thankful for all the cards, flowers, messages, prayers, love and support in the last few days, we really appreciate the kindness everyone has shown.
Cara and Lindsey
Alice Harris has passed away at age 99. Alice was a part of our church family for as long as she was able and I know some of you will remember her. She passed peacefully away on Friday 9th February.We hold her daughters Joan and Sandra and family in our love and prayers.
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Dave Williams has been in hospital. He is very poorly and hopefully he will be taken home possibly today (Thursday) to be cared for. We hold Dave and Sheila in our love and prayers.
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John Cox celebrates his 80th birthday on February 21st
Ros Parish celebrates her 80th birthday on February 24th
Happy Birthday to you both
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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS February 11th
Dear Friends
Our dear friend Chris passed peacefully away last night. Her daughters,
Cara and Lindsey, were both with her. Chris has been a faithful member of our church family for many years, and she .will be sadly missed by us all. Chris has struggled bravely with her illness, and now she is safely with her Lord, and reunited with her husband Leigh
We hold Cara and Lindsey and all of Chris's family in our love and prayers.
Rest in Peace Chris
God bless
February 9th 2024
Chris Webb has now been transferred from Russells Hall to a lovely room in Mary Stevens Hospice. We hold Chris and her family in our love and our prayers
due to unforeseen circumstances the date of Eileen's party has been changed to Wednesday Feb 14th
Eileen Scanlon is to celebrate her 85th birthday on Tuesday February 13th.
Her address is
7 Coppice Rise, Brierley Hill DY5 1DN. You are welcome to call in from 2.00 pm onwards to help her celebrate.
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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
February 2nd 2024
Eileen Scanlon is to celebrate her 85th birthday on Tuesday February 13th. Her address is
7 Coppice Rise, Brierley Hill DY5 1DN. You are welcome to call in from 2.00 pm onwards to help her celebrate.
We have learned this week that Mollie Cole has died. Mollie had been in a care home for some time but was for many years a member of the church family at Hasbury
Mollie's funeral will be held at Stourbridge Crematorium on Tuesday February 6th at 2.50 pm
We hold Mollie's family in loving prayer.
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HELP HELP HELP HELP
PRAYER MINISTRY
Our prayer ministry team is in need of more people who can offer to share prayer time with those who need it following worship.
It is a very special priviledge to share this time with those who come forward for prayer. Please consider if you could offer to join the team. All prayers are confidential. If you feel you may be able to join us, please have a chat with Joy, Eileen, Pam or Maureen.
MUSIC
We also need more people on our rota for providing music for worship. We are really grateful to those who play the organ for worship – it makes such a difference to our singing.
If you can offer some dates to play for us, or if you know of anyone who may be able to, please speak to one of the stewards.
STEWARDS
And also, could anyone offer themselves as a steward. It would really help our stewards if we had more people on the rota.
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January 27th
The collection at the United Service amounted to £179.52
This has been donated to the Welcome Group
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CHURCH
FAMILY NEWS
January 19th 2024
Joan Busby is now living in care at Amberley Care Home, Brierley Hill.
We hold Joan and all the family in our prayers
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CHURCH
FAMILY NEWS
January 6th 2024
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
Here’s to the blessing of the year,
Here’s to the friends we hold so dear,
To peace on earth, both far and near.
Christmas morning offering amounted to £196.20 and this has been forwarded to Action for Children. Thank You
Shenstone Singers and Shenstone Roses send their thanks to all who supported their Christmas concert. £140 has been donated to church funds, and £100 was given in donations for Brain Tumour research in memory of Trevor Cutler
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