Newsletter

Newsletter 15 November and 22 November 2026

Dear friends

The arctic air is due to come south, much earlier in the year than is usually the case. We shall see what kind of winter it brings. Christmas is also making its presence felt ahead of time, with cards and gifts on sale, Christmas songs in the shops and adverts on tv.

How can we take a stand against such sentiments as 'Perfect Christmas' written on snacks such as 'Cheese and Onion Flavour Hoops', without sounding like the Grinch? How can we show what a perfect Christmas really looks like? By living as people who have received the gift of God, and who, with generous hearts, share with others the love we have received. Pass it on!

With love,

Christine

This Sunday, immediately following the service, we'll have a quick update on registering Balsall Common Methodist Church as a charity – why we need to do it, and what it entails. Please stay in church if you can, and refreshments will follow a little later than usual.

One Voice in Prayer. Praying together for an end to global poverty.

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.’ (Psalm 24:1–2)

Smallholder farmers under threat

COP31, the UN’s annual climate conference which starts next week, Monday 9, and runs until Friday 20 November, provides a crucial opportunity to advocate for smallholder farmers and show our deep concern for their wellbeing and livelihoods. These farmers produce a

third of the global food supply, yet they are increasingly vulnerable to severe weather events and climate shocks like drought, flooding and extreme heat. This week, we invite you to pray alongside our team at COP31, as we speak up for communities affected by poverty and climate change.

The above information is taken from Tearfund’s latest communication to Doug – please click on the underlined link to hear more.

Bank reference: G DF ATTY” :

Thank you for your contributions. Please make yourself known to your treasurer ! Henning Kleine hkleine103@gmail.com or 07958 326134

Advent Windows.

Last year our Advent Windows were very well received so we'd like to do even better this year. If you can volunteer to decorate a window or can offer your window for someone else to decorate, please let us know. We can provide materials if required.

Once we know who is interested, we will work out a list and prepare a trail around the village for families to visit. Please speak to me or one of the stewards if you would like to be involved.

Many thanks, Alexis.

COFFEE TOGETHER

A big thank you to all who helped set up, make cakes, serve, and wash up, when it was ‘our turn’ last week. We are very grateful to Jill and Roger, who get there at 9am to open The Jubilee, and put out tables and chairs in readiness. They stay to the end organising on our behalf. Thanks also to those who help put out, and those who help clear away.

It was good to see church members support and chat. In particular Helen and Roger. For many years when their mobility was better, they would turn up at 9am, with son Mark, to help set up tables and chairs.So it was good to see them there.

The next Coffee Together will be on Saturday 5th December, when Berkswell will host. This is when we join together singing carols , pausing for a mince pie. No charge for refreshments but we encourage donations for charity.

Many thanks all.

Doug

AMICI: From Coventry Cathedral. Saturday 5th December at 7pm

A concert of music and readings for the season of Advent will be held at Balsall Common Methodist Church. Cost £10 per person which includes interval refreshments.

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE and COVENTRY CITY MISSION

Many thanks to all who help serve refreshments to us after morning worship. This is such an important part of our fellowship together and we are all grateful.

Whilst there is no specific charge for the coffee etc, we are self financing, and so the bag needs replenishing each week- hence the donation basket at the hatch.

Due to your generosity over a period, a surplus has built up. On occasions like this in the past, we have donated to charities such as Coventry City Mission. We are now able to give to the latter, £50 from the church, as part of their Christmas Appeal. Henning will arrange this for us at our Gift Service on 29th November.

Many thanks. Heather

Gift Service: Sunday 29th November

The GIFT service in aid of the GIVING TREE run by the Coventry City Mission (CCM) will be held on the 29.11.29.

I would like to provide you with the options how to support the Giving Tree. Please see poster on top of the Newsletter.

· You donate a gift ( new) as per list provided

· You buy a gift voucher for CCM at the post office – gift vouchers of £ 10 each

· You donate via transfer using the link below and quote GT2026 Coventry City Mission – JustGiving

See below for list.

Offering

Cash offerings for the last two-week period amounted to £135 in addition to those donated by bank transfer.

Flowers

15th November: Heather Gill in memory of Dad.

22nd November: Our own arrangement.