Wholeness and Healing Ministry Dates Coming Up Sunday 29^th August, 11am; Saturday 4^th September, 9am; Thursday 9^th September, 1.10pm.

The Cathedral Shop is seeking volunteers. If you would like to help, please contact the Cathedral Office on 0121 262 1840 or email welcome@birminghamcathedral.com

The Birmingham Half Marathon will be run on 24^th October and churches across the Diocese are looking at ways to participate - both by running and also by providing refreshments, encouragement and entertainment.  If you are thinking of running in the race this year please let Canon Peter know - or e-mail Carol in the office secretary@birminghamcathedral.com

LTCC (Let the Children Come) is changing it name from the start of September to Childrens Church.  As part of this the bags will be updated. If anyone has small knitted dolls or soft toys they can donate they will be gratefully received.  Bible story picture books can also be used in the bags.  Thank you.   Pauline Stammers.

There will be two services to welcome the new Dean to the Cathedral.  The Collation and Installation service will be at 11.00am on Thursday 2^nd September.   At 11.00am on Saturday 4^th September there will be a service to welcome her to the Diocese.  There are a limited number of seats available for congregation members to attend either of the services.  Tickets are available today for those who have signed up and a few extra are available from the wardens(especially for Thursday).

Refreshments are being served to those who have travelled from beyond the Diocese following the Saturday service (4th September at 11am) for our new Dean.  If you are able to help with the preparation or on the day, please see Judith Whalley or Judith Piggott for more detailed guidelines about what is required. Many thanks.

Christian Aid Week:  our final total was ?3,800.  Thank you all for your support.

We were very sorry to learn that Matthew, the son of Jean and Charlie Beattie, died recently  following an illness of several months.  We offer Jean and Charlie our love and prayers. 

Lunching alone on Sundays?  If you are interested in joining a group who meet after the 11am service once a month, contact Francis Buchanan or Noreen Murray.  The next date is 29^th August.

The current installation, The Parent Heart of God helps us reflect and interact with the Lords Prayer. You are invited to remove part of the wall and write on bricks underneath.  As you do so another picture is revealed.  The piece was made by the group, Faith Through Art, founded by    Fr George Donaghy and Jo Ferro. Their ethos is to provide a different way of expressing faith.  They have been working in schools and youth settings, but will run their first art based retreat for adults in September. They publish a magazine twice a year and are always keen to exhibit in different locations. To find out more about Faith Through Art contact joferro@hotmail.co.uk.

An ecumenical service to mark Racial Justice Sunday will be held at St Catherine?s, Bristol St B5 7BE on 12^th September, 4-5.30pm. Entitled On Holy Ground, it is for Christians of all traditions and is promoted by Birmingham Churches Together and the Council of Black Led Churches.

Back to Church Sunday is Sunday 26th September. This is a nationally advertised Sunday and is an opportunity for regular church members to invite someone who used to go to church to come again.  We have timed our Harvest Thanksgiving weekend to coincide with the date.  Why not invite a friend, neighbour, family member or godchild (young or old) to one of our services? 

Alzheimers Societys Memory Walk is being held on Saturday 11^th September 2010 at Cannon Hill Park and they are looking people to take part and raise money to help people affected by dementia in the local area.  To register please visit www.memorywalk.org.uk/birmingham or call 0121 442 6565 for a registration pack. 

Restore are holding sessions on asylum issues and training for befriending refugees and asylum seekers.  Afternoons: Thursdays 23 and 30 Sept, 1.30pm - 4.30pm at BMS: 24 Weoley Park Road, Selly  Oak, B29 6QX.  Evenings: Thursdays 7, 14 & 21 Oct, 7.30-9.30pm at St Johns Church, Harborne, B17 9PT.  The training is for anyone interested in becoming volunteer befrienders, or wanting information on asylum and refugee issues.  Further details are available from Jeremy Thompson  0121 236 0069 or befriend@restore-uk.org  http://www.restore-uk.org  

Many thanks to all who have donated jewellery and gifts for the Music Foundation Fund, you have been most generous.  We have some lovely silver jewellery which we will be selling from the shop area from September onwards.  Please come, have a look and treat yourself.    Sandra and Judith.

The annual Barn Dance to celebrate harvest will be held on Friday 24th September 7.30-10.30pm.  Tickets are on sale from 22nd August, ?7.00 adults, ?3.50 concessions.  There will be a Bring and Share supper and a bar selling wine, beer and soft drinks. Dancing to Narrow Escape.  We always have a great time, look forward to seeing you there with your dancing shoes!  Sandra Bailey.

Heritage Weekend will soon be here and we have planned a full programme of events which you will find below.  Please note the Magic Lantern show and art exhibition which are new additions.