It is time to not just sit back and watch! For two thousand years there has been a  church in Syria. But now its very survival is threatened by violence, conflict  and persecution. The church is on its knees. Open Doors has been active in Syria since  before the war. We are helping the church in Syria to care for thousands of  families in desperate need. “I believe the Lord has been preparing the church  for this day,” says Pastor Edward in Damascus. “Who else can give hope and  really spread peace other than our Lord?” The church in Syria is asking for your help. Please join us to speak out, provide emergency relief and pray for our brothers and sisters in Syria. Please visit www.opendoorsuk.org and sign the petition that will be taken to meetings with the UK government, the EU and the UN over the next few months. We urge, on behalf of the Christians of Syria, that all those with  influence and power do everything possible to: Protect the lives, livelihoods and

Are you passing by? I think it’s time for a cuppa! From Tuesday 20th August the Tea Lounge is changing its range of teas to that most famous, independent tea merchant: Taylors of Harrogate. On sale will be a variety of teas from the more traditional blends such as Earl Grey, to flavoured and fruit teas. On a lovely afternoon what’s better than a slice of cake and a pot of tea on our terrace?!

St Martin’s is again joining with 4,700 properties throughout the country to celebrate our rich heritage, and is inviting people to discover more of our Christian faith and Birmingham history and culture.  Regular guided tours will take place.  There will also be a unique opportunity to see the Bull Ring from a different perspective by going up the church tower! Guided Tours: 10.30am-3pm (1pm-2.30pm Sun) Bell Tower Guided Tours: 11am-3pm (1pm-2.30pm Sun)

During St Martin’s HOTS in August we had the chance to use our umbrellas. They were very useful as we used them to shelter us from the rain and from the sun! The weather was just a mixture but that it didn’t stop us to pray for passers-by. A few weeks ago I visited the Harnhill Centre of Christian healing. The model they use to help people to overcome hurts and brokenness in their lives is a model called the Circle of God’s love. They explain to all who go there that as we position ourselves within the circle of God’s love, we see God continually ministering to us with his forgiveness, healing, redemption and renewal. From the moment of creation to the very end of the book of Revelation we see God loving us. One verse in the Bible that is used a lot at Harnhill is Isaiah 43:4.  God says to his people, ‘Since you are precious and honoured in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.’ We find a remarkable statement

Starting this Sunday (25th August) St. Martin’s is participating in collecting items that are desperately needed for women and children in Syria. The charity (Hand in Hand) is organising an aid convey in early September. The items that are needed are: Baby milk (up to six months); nappies and baby wipes; Children’s school materials (e.g. pencils, writing pads); women’s hygiene products; bandages and dressings; non-prescription medicines (e.g. pain killers, laxatives); children’s winter boots; baby clothes (new only); winter blankets or duvets. Please leave your items in the church with a member of staff or a volunteer by Sunday 1st September at the latest.

Here is an update on a new venture that we started a couple of weeks ago called “Cuppa and Chat”. This is a coffee morning held in the church every Monday from 10am-12pm for people that might be feeling isolated, lonely, struggling with life and need someone to talk to. So far we have made contact with 40 or so different people over the two weeks with many people from all walks of life coming to sit down and enjoy a free hot drink and an opportunity to have someone listen to them talk if that is what they want. The majority of the people we have seen have various practical needs however have mentioned that what they most need is someone to talk to about aspects of their life that are hard. We have the privilege at St Martins of giving our time to helping these people and hopefully seeing change begin to happen in their lives. We pray that God will continue to bring people along and that we can love them as Jesus would. If you would like any more information about this or think that you