    
Re-opening the Alfred Ellis Hall - 4th December or Staging a big event without a stage - the ridiculous to the sublime! No doubt due to the immense amount of planning and preparation which had gone into the event, the re-opening of the Alfred Ellis Hall by URC General Assembly Moderator, Val Morrison, went off without a hitch on Saturday 4th December. Revds Andrew Busby and Erna Stevenson led the procession of dignitaries from the celebratory service in the Sanctuary into the Hall, and they then took it in turns to balance on a minute platform in front of the microphones which was barely larger than a pair of shoes. Prayers were said and the premises were declared open with a blessing given by Revd Geoff Comer. A magnificent cake was cut, and all before the eyes of the community that was passing by outside, as well as those who had accepted the invitation to join in the proceedings and view the displays inside. The displays showed some of the various uses to which the Hall will be put. Already it was difficult to remember what the surroundings used to look like, but there was great acclaim for the transformation which has been achieved, which must be an encouragement to turn our faces to Phase 2. |
 
Operation Christmas Child 46 shoeboxes filled by members of the Hands Together group and others were dedicated at the evening service on 14th November and sent to OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD |
     Harvest Supper 9th October Supper, followed by Entertainment, took place in the church whilst work continues on the redevelopment of the Alfred Ellis Hall |
  Holding hands together, waiting to go to a new home, to be loved and cared for Items made by people in the Hands Together project which will be included in this year's Shoe Boxes for Christmas. |
 Walk round Harlesden 21st August At the invitation of our friends at St Margaret's and St George's United Reformed/Moravian Churches some of us spent a very enjoyable morning at Harlesden on Saturday 21st August. We were welcomed by their ministers the Revd Edward Sanniez and the Revd Edwin Quildan, given hospitality in their Church Hall and taken on an interesting leisurely walk around the area where their community lives and serves. Find more pictures here |
   Sue McCoan’s Ordination and Induction as Minister of Wylde Green Church, Sutton Coldfield took place on Saturday 10 July 2010 |
 Live Music & Barbecue 3rd July Find more pictures here |
 Sue's farewell Our farewell to Sue on Sunday 20th June was heartfelt by all at AFC. Andrew spoke the words on everyone’s lips when he said that we were grateful to her for all that she has brought to us through her ministry, wisdom and humour. Erna presented her with a beautiful stole which Sue had helped design and had had specially made for her on our behalf. We were enthralled to hear from Erna about the origins of stoles and from Sue about how she would treasure it and think of the love we have shared, when she wears it. We prayed for Sue and our choir blessed her through their music when they sang ‘The Lord bless you and keep you”, then we sent Sue off with a beautiful basket of flowers, cards which most of us managed to sign, and all our love and prayers for her ministry in Wylde Green Church, Sutton Coldfield. |
 In celebration of five years as our Associate Minister, Erna was presented with flowers during the Sunday service on 10th January. |