Your weekend does not have to come to an end on a Sunday - you can continue to relax and enjoy yourself at the Elstead Community Choir on a Monday Night.  My husband and I have recently moved to Elstead and this is the first time we have lived in a traditional village.  We have been made very welcome by the churches and organisations in the Village, especially last Monday evening when we joined the Elstead Community Choir at the Pavilion.  Twenty plus residents aged between 18 and 80 had a really joyous evening.  We were enthusiastically greeted by Carolyn, Will and little Louis and soon felt at ease, as we shrugged off the challenges of the working day, by exercising not only our bodies, minds, and vocal chords but our face muscles as well; we all certainly laughed a lot.   Due to the clarity of voice, expert tuition and motivation of Carolyn we could hardly believe that within 30 minutes we had learnt to perform in parts, an inspirational African Spiritual which really sounded very harmonious.  It was then time to retire to the Bar to lubricate the voices and get to know each other.
   
During the following hour our confidence increased and by 9.30 we had added another couple of African Chants to our repertoire!  The time passed so quickly and everyone was still singing as we left to walk home.  Carolyn invited everyone to return again next Monday at 7.30 and to bring a friend, so we look forward to meeting even more people who love to sing!  You do not need to be able to read music or have past experience of singing in a Choir, you just have to be fun loving, creative and have a desire to develop your singing and meet new people.

Whether we are in our 20s and 30s or 70s and 80s (or somewhere in between) God wants us in relationships with others. It is through our relationships that he blesses us. This includes relationships with our families, our church, our community, and of course a close intimate relationships with one other person. Sometimes this last one is the hardest to achieve. But why is this?

It's easy to think 'God wants to bless me so I'll sit back and let him' but sadly blessings don't often come that way, Have you heard  the phrase 'God helps those who helps themselves'? It's so often true! Finding someone to have an intimate committed relationship with is the same. We have to work at it - whatever our age! In fact we have to work as if it all depended on us, while praying as if it all depended on God.

Since 1999, God has been using the organisation friendsfirst to help all types of single Christians meet other Christians for friendship and relationships. With the emphasis on friendship the organisation provides a great way of meeting new people who are all Christian and who are also investing seriously in themselves and their future. If you think it's time you made a difference in your life or helped God to answer your prayers, then you should contact Katharine Gray or Julie the membership manager at friendsfirst  on 0121 427 1286 for more details. friendsfirst is a UK and Ireland wide organisation, providing a vary personalised, confidential and successful service. You can also find our more about their service from their information-only

The Christingle Service will be at St James' School on Sunday 9^th  December.