Esther from the Baptist Church (Vicar Street, Wednesbury) is going to Mozambique for 2 weeks as part of her student minister training. The Baptist Church will be holding a Coffee Morning/Bring and Buy Sale on Saturday 17th February, 10 am to 12 noon, to raise funds for this part of Esther’s training. Please try to attend this event to enable them to raise money.

Message from Kim: 'Just been asked about this so thought I would Post it here. Simon Skidmore is being licensed as Team Vicar and Mission Priest of Bilston at St Chads Church in Bilston on 7th Feb at 7:30pm.'

This week, at St Johns Academy our Open the Book team are telling the story, Problems for Paul.

Following a lovely Institution and Induction service last night, we welcome the Revd Mark James Danks as our new vicar. We hope he will be very happy at St Bart's.

Due to the weather: Services for today: 10:30am Short communion service for those who make it. 4:00pm Christingle - Cancelled! Might be rescheduled for the new year. Please Spread the Word.

The craft club's last meeting of 2017 is on Saturday from 2 pm until 4 pm in the church hall. Just bring along your craft work and enjoy 2 hours of craft and chat for only 50p. That includes a drink and cake (we'll have some festive refreshments this time). We look forward to seeing you there.

The Tree of Light will be set up in Morrisons, Wednesbury, again this year to allow members of the public to place a star on the tree to remember loved ones. The tree will be manned by 3 charities this year: Walsall St Giles Hospice Sandwell Young Carers SSAFA* There will be a memorial service here at St Bartholomew’s Church on Sunday 25th February 2018 at 6pm, for you to remember your loved ones. * SSAFA is the Armed Forces charity formerly known as ‘Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association. It is a UK charity that provides lifelong support to serving men and women and veterans from the British Armed Forces and their families or dependents. Anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force and their families, both regulars and reserves, is eligible for their help.

Today our Open the Book story was Hannah's Prayer. Marg narrated, Lynn was Eli, Linda and Wendy were Elkanah's two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. As Elkanah Mario had the task of managing them both.The children of St Johns never cease to amaze us with their confidence in joining in our story telling. Well done to all our helpers.

Lovely confirmation service by The Bishop of Lichfield, The Rt Rev Dr Michael Ipgrave, at St Paul's Church this morning. Well done to Karen, Linda, Malcolm and Frank from St Bartholomew's Church.

Today the Open the Book team are telling the story, Esther was a Star. Joining Marg, Linda, Lynn, Mario and Wendy today is Tina, our friend from Wednesbury Baptist Church. Welcome to the team Tina. x

Our prayers are with the family and friends of 14 year old Sarah Athersmith whose funeral is today. Our thoughts are also with her teachers at Wood Green Academy and fellow pupils on this sad occasion.