In a warm show of community spirit, St Philip’s Church in Webheath, and St Bartholomew’s Church in Tardebigge hosted their first shared bonfire and fireworks night, welcoming around 350 people…
Held in the scenic grounds of St Bartholomew’s, with ample space across the meadow and lawn, the evening offered something for everyone. Guests enjoyed a barbecue, followed by warming soup and hot chocolate to keep the autumn chill at bay, with apple bobbing adding to the festivities. The evening’s highlight was a spectacular bonfire and fireworks display, drawing smiles and cheers from young and old alike.
Local Mum Emma commented: “Thank you for a fabulous firework display. It was great to see it so busy. A massive well done to the organisers and volunteers.”
The event was generously supported by donations from the Bumps, Babes and Toddlers group – a weekly gathering held at St Philip’s Church from 9.30 am on Thursdays, as well as a local benefactor, whose contributions helped make the fireworks display possible. Extensive risk assessments were conducted, and careful planning by the organisers ensured that everyone could enjoy the evening safely, with designated areas for the crowd on the church lawn and the bonfire site in the meadow.
The collaboration between the churches created a safe, welcoming space for the community to gather and enjoy a traditional celebration together. The Revd Sarah Jayne said:
“We wanted this to be a truly inclusive event, so it was important to make it free and open to all. It was a joy to see everyone come together and enjoy the evening, and we’re grateful for all who helped make it happen, especially the volunteers from all three churches, whose hard work helped make the evening run smoothly. It was particularly wonderful to see so many young families present, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and the sense of connection. We hope this is the first of many shared celebrations.”
At the recent Clergy Conference, the diocesan stewardship team launched a Boomerang offering, to help activate generosity across the Diocese. Each person was given a £5 note to take home, pray with and see what act of generosity God was calling them towards. We also asked them to share their stories of how the money was used.
Many of our churches hosted ‘light parties’ at the end of October as a popular alternative to Halloween. Some of our renewal churches hosted the biggest celebrations.
Our diocese has been awarded £3.6 million to continue to support churches as part of phase two of our programme to ensure our churches are healthy and sustainable for the future.
Kelly Gordon is a member of Wordsley Parish in Greater Dudley Deanery. She has recently been selected as one of only three people in the UK to be part of the Leaders Europe programme within the Obama Foundation.
St Peter’s CE Academy and St Peter’s Church in the Saltway Team have been awarded a silver Church and School Partnership Award recognising the close relationship between the church, school and local community.
This year’s Church of England Advent and Christmas theme focuses on the first and greatest Christmas gift of all: the gift of God being born as one of us in Jesus Christ.
An article from Archdeacon Mark for December editions of parish magazines.
The Muslim-Christian dialogue group in Lye, Stourbridge, arranged a litter pick on 31 October to clear up two local streets.
A new singing group for children will launch at St Peter’s Centre at Pedmore Church on 15 November, 10 years after Singing Angels originally began at St Andrew’s Church on the Straits.
Bishop Hugh visited Cropthorne with Charlton C of E First School on 3 November to share in their collective worship and meet with the children.
