Community

A record bellringing performance is being attempted at St Martin’s on Friday 28th December. This will be the longest ever peal rung on14 bells and will comprise over 10,000 changes (different orders of the bells). It will take around seven hours, and the 14 bell ringers will ring non-stop without refreshment! A team of umpires will be checking the performance for verification. 

As well as being a long peal, this particular performance is technically complex in terms of the changes being rung. It is by no means assured of success, but the ringers havepracticed using shorter periods of ringing. 

St Martin’s is one of only five places in the world with 14 change ringing bells and so we are delighted to be able tohost this performance. It is being conducted and composed by our own bellringers, and includes a number of other members of our regular team. There have only been two bellringing performances of this duration before since thecurrent ring of bells was installed at St Martins 30 years ago. So rest assured it will not be a regular occurrence! 

Join us as we host The Choir with No Name Birmingham on Tuesday 18th December when they return to St Martin in the Bull Ring to celebrate Christmas. Friends old and new, we welcome you to celebrate Christmas with Birmingham’s one and only homeless choir. Christmas cheer, a warm glow and mince pies guaranteed! No ticket necessary – donations gratefully received! Full details on the event page https://www.facebook.com/events/706729546361412

Join us as we host The Alzheimer’s Society and Unite in Song this Christmas and support Carols at Christmas at St Martin’s Church in Birmingham on Thursday 14^th December. All funds raised will go the Alzheimer’s Society and support the work they do for people affected by dementia. Join us for an evening of sing-along carols, festive treats and readings by some very special guests. Performers include: Magic Voices Choir, Redditch CommunityGospel Choir and Eternal Taal Bhangra Drummers.  Doors open at 6:30 and the concert will start at 7pm. All proceeds raised will go to Alzheimer’s Society and make a difference to the lives of people affected by dementia. Buy your tickets today at: alzheimers.org.uk/carolsbirmingham or on the door.

For further   enquiries contact regionalcarols@alzheimers.org.uk or call 0330 333 0804. 

Come and join us on Sunday 23rd December at 5.00pm for our Christmas Carol Service.

Join us for the following choral pieces:

“This is the truth sent from above” (Herefordshire words) . arranged by Richard Lloyd

“Behold that star!” (Spiritual) – arranged by Bob Chilcott

“E’en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come” – Paul Manz

Mary’s Magnificat – Andrew Carter

“In a stable” (Esta noche) Spanish carol melody – arranged by JFH

“Silent night” – arranged by JFH

Appalachian carol – arranged by JFH

Unfortunately our church is not open today due to a private event; however please visit our Tea Lounge which is open today with a festive menu to enjoy! #followthestar

Now that it’s Advent, I am officially getting excited about Christmas.  I’ve started to purchase the presents and my sparkly tree is standing proudly in my living room.  Don’t tell anyone, but there is also a pile of wrapping paper and ribbon hiding in the corner of another room.
Clearly, I am excited.

The thing is though, it’s not time for Christmas just yet, so I’ve got to wait to celebrate.  I’ve got to wait until I can open my presents, wait until I can have my family round for dinner and wait until the time I can stay up very, very late without feeling too guilty.
Unfortunately, waiting is something I’m not very good at.  I seem to expect everything, now!

But, maybe I am missing something.  Maybe there is something wonderful in not having it all immediately, in looking forward to the future and what is still to come- just like I take pleasure in all my preparations for and anticipation of the coming Christmas celebration.

Way back in history, God promised to send a saviour to his people who were struggling with life.  But, they had to wait – they waited a long time until it was time for Jesus to be born into the world.

I feel like them sometimes.  I struggle with all the illness, death, disasters and everything else going on in the world and my life. I want God to change it all and make it better.  Now!   The good news is that he has promised that he will and God always keeps his promises.  For my part, I just have to wait. Wait until it is time for Jesus to return to earth as king, when there will be a new world and all the things that distress me won’t be there any more.

To help me practice joyful waiting, I’ve made an advent wreath to steadily count down each of the weeks before Christmas Day when I finally get to light the white candle in celebration of Jesus’ birth.  Every time I see it, I remember to be patient because the joy and peace in the world that I am hoping for, will get here.  It will come.

Are you waiting patiently for something?   Perhaps you could make or place something in your home as a reminder to be patient.

Christina Brown, Families’ Missioner

 

Join us as we host Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Christmas Concert!

Taking place here St Martin in the Bull Ring  on Wednesday 12 December their Christmas Concert is the perfect start to your festive season.

Hosted by former BBC WM presenter Pete Morgan, the night will feature performances from The School of Theatre Excellence and Birmingham Community Gospel Choir as well contributions from our brave patients and medical staff.

Join us for this very special evening of classic Christmas carols, mince pies and mulled wine. This is one not to be missed.

More details on their website www.bch.org.uk/concert or Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/741243152905070/

Do you fancy getting into the festive spirit as we go into Advent on Sunday? Come in and visit our Tea Lounge today and every day for our great selection of Christmas cakes (except for Sunday’s and Monday’s). Come in to discover more! #followthestar