Monday 31 January 2011

Start the new year in the best way

CMM and EBRG began 2011 in the best way possible - we went on retreat together.  On Thursday 6th January we had our first EBRG meeting of the year preparing for the retreat, and then on Saturday 8th we all travelled to Shallowford House near Eccleshall/Stone.  This year we didn't have an outside speaker, but spent a lot of time in prayer and discussion togther thinking about the future.

Shallowford House is a wonderful venue for this kind of retreat, and it has also recently been taken over from a couple that CMM knows from previous visits to Lee Abbey.  The warm welcome and friendly atmosphere was perfect for our needs.

On the Saturday afternoon, Roger, Annie and Helen shared their ideas for the future, and then on the Sunday Mike helped us to come up with some questions to help with the discerning process on Thursday nights over the next few weeks.  Then we finished up with worship and lunch - a lovely weekend.

Happy Christmas and New Year!

The last few days before Christmas were incredibly hard work for CMM - not due to a massive amount of orders, but because Roger and Mary finally moved house.  We are now finally installed in Lickey End, Bromsgrove, but there is a lot of unpacking to do.

On the final day we took our minds away from the unpacking and walked up the road to the local garden centre for our Christmas dinner.  Helen's husband James had the day off, so he joined us as well.  We were treated brilliantly, and the meal was lovely.  Roger and Mary had Christmas presents for everyone, but they were in a box somewhere in the house, so we had to wait until the new year!

Thanks so much to all our supporters - 2010 has been a wonderful year!

Christmas ladies' meetings (part 2)

The following week, Annie and Helen travelled to Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church.  Annie had been asked to lead their Christmas meeting, and Helen came as a soloist.  It was a fantastic meeting - there were a large number of ladies there despite the snow - at least 30, and they seemed to really appreciate all Annie had to share.

Annie spoke about Jesus as the one who was, the one who is, and the one who is to come.  A particular highlight came at the end when we sang 'Great is the darkness - come, Lord Jesus' and Annie led a wonderful come, Holy Spirit time.

And then mince pies were served all round!