During 2025 we lost three members of our Church community, who in their own individual ways had an impact on all our lives. In our Garden of Memory another two roses will be planted in memory of those we have lost during 2025. What a profound statement this is “Grief is the price we pay for Love” and how true!.
We start with a blank sheet, what we become depends so much on the people we meet and those in our lives. The following words were written by someone unknown. “Remember, as long as you are breathing, it’s never too late to start a new beginning.”
There are two paths in life, and one of the most famous reflections on this comes from Robert Frost’s poem The Road Not Taken: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference.”
Jesus does not use the exact phrase “two paths of truth,” but he delivers a well-known quote in the Bible that speaks about two paths or ways of life, one leading to life and the other to destruction. This is the essence of his teaching on two paths. The quote comes from the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew: The Sermon on the Mount emphasizes the importance of choosing the narrow path that leads to life, contrasting it with the broad path that leads to destruction.
Someone once said during and shortly after the pandemic, “I thought St Clements Church had closed down.” In fact, we were never closed. Online services became the norm, and as soon as we were able, we opened our doors for prayer. When services could resume, although we had to sit apart, we remained open. Today, we have expanded our work within the community through our Café, Events and Groups, and welcoming children from local schools throughout the year has been central to our life as a Church. Welcoming the children from Castle Bromwich Infants
Choir in December was especially wonderful, and we very much look forward to welcoming children from our local schools again during 2026.
What an amazing job our teachers do. They serve as guides, mentors and facilitators, planning and delivering lessons while adapting to different learning needs and communicating with parents to help prepare our young people for the diverse world in which we live. St Clements’ Children’s Church, held on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, provides a place where children can learn about the life of Jesus through stories, puzzles and activities, and then share what they have learned with the whole Church.
On the 19th December we were invited to Castle Bromwich Junior School’s Carol Service, together with the Chair of Castle Bromwich Parish Council Cllr Pauline Allen we were able to join the teachers and children, to hear the story of Jesus’ birth, the shepherds and the wise men all told by the children themselves; the singing was wonderful and we were all invited to join in singing “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. Brilliant.
Stargazers on the 21st December told The Story of the Wise Men, a musical written by Roger Jones and performed by the choirs of St Clement’s and St Mary and St Margaret’s Churches. Christmas Bells are Calling by Stuart Jeffs and written especially for the night’s performance was a highlight with the Children’s choir singing the first verse. The children also treated us to their singing of the first verse of Away in a Manger. St Clement’s was packed and we were all treated to a wonderful evening, let’s hope this becomes a yearly event as it really is a fitting way to the start of Christmas. As is customary refreshments were served and our thanks go to all who gave, so that we could end the evening in the true spirit of celebration of Christmas. A wonderful evening and such talent – Excellent and thank you.
Whilst social media can be a tool for good, it can also be a tool for negativity that not only parents have to deal with, but teachers grapple with each day. In the eyes of God all are equal and is a core belief of all Christians. Let this New Year be a year of understanding, respect, tolerance and above all that we remember to treat each other as we would like to be treated. Communication and sharing must be part of everyday life whether it be happy times or in times of worries and sorrow – Lets talk and share and be kind to one another!!
As we look forward to the coming of warmer and brighter days. We remember that whilst the ground and trees are bare in winter… Nature is preparing for Spring when once again all bursts forth into vibrant colour. It reminds us that not everything is how you see it, but look a little closer, beneath the surface, family and true friendships are an important part of who and what we are. Look out for the first signs of Spring, on your walks; Snowdrops start to appear from January through to March and certainly bring hope for better days to come.
One date for your diary: Valentine’s Bingo Saturday 14th February 2026 – Starting at 2pm Cost will be £6. Soup and Roll and a Pud – Tickets will be available shortly.
You can get in touch with St Clements in the usual way:
Phone: 0121 274 7120
A Church Near You: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7248/
Church Website: www.stclementschurchcb.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stclementschurchcastlebromwich
Email: office@stclementschurchcb.co.uk
