MISSION SUPPORT GROUP REPORT for 2006
The Mission Support Group had a very full and successful year under the imaginative leadership of Rev. Smitha Prasadam.
Fundraising activities included a jumble sale in February for the Mission to Seafarers; Christian Aid street and Sainsbury's collection in May; home boxes and Sainsbury's collection in June for the Children's Society; International Evening (harvest) in aid of Malawi; and 'Toys and Tins' collection for Birmingham City Mission.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, the MSG offered a study group on 'Psalms as Prayers of the Heart' which resulted in some lovely personal psalms being written by attendees which have since appeared in our magazine and used in a 'songs of praise' service. Following the success of the 'Psalms as Prayers of the Heart' study group, MSG prayer meetings were combined with a study of people of the Bible. These weekly studies were run under the name of 'Pathways' and concluded with a special All Souls' Day Service in our Lady Chapel.
The Harvest festival on 1st October was a service which welcomed our local friends of other faiths and followed a service for Hurst Green school on 29th September which was attended by around 400 pupils, parents and staff. Harvest gifts provided were given to the Edward's Trust in Birmingham supporting the families of sick children.
Our Nativity Festival in December was meant to be a quiet and gentle run to Christmas but took on a life of it's own with 35 displays supported by members of St. Paul's church, our local schools and community. The publicity attracted, especially in respect of the 'Alternativity' display in the Chancel, certainly put St. Paul's on the map and made people really think about the theology behind the Christmas story.
Our thanks to all who have supported our efforts in 2006 and, by God's grace, we look forward to continued success in 2007 when we hope to welcome new members to support our endeavours in achieving the Lord's mission work. Carole Christensen
