3rd Sunday of every month 4-5pm St Martin's Church, Sutton Road, Walsall

2008-12-11T08:59:00.001-08:00

Join us for the last Net of 2008 on Sunday 21st December as we celebrate with a Christmas Party.

Jonah and the Whale

2008-12-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

It just seems as though The Net is getting better and better. This was certainly true in November, when we looked at the story of Jonah and the Whale. The highlight was when the hall was decorated to make it look like the inside of the whale, and we all went into the darkened hall carrying glow sticks, and listened to the story of Jonah and the Whale.

These photos give a flavour of some of the fun we had.

November's Net

2008-11-13T11:36:00.000-08:00

We invite you to join us at The Net, on Sunday November 16th, between 4pm and 5pm, as we look at the story of Jonah and the Whale.

Don't worry if you've not been before, you will be assured of a really warm welcome at The Net, where the emphasis is on families having fun together, and learning about what matters most to us and God.

October's Net

2008-11-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

We had a fantastic time at The Net in October, making lots of fantastic food (which we got to eat at the end), and thinking about the story of the feeding of the five thousand, and how God can take, what little we feel we can offer him, and use it to great effect.

October's Net

2008-10-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

This October the theme of The Net is 'Food Glorious Food'

As usual there will be the mix of games, and activities as we have a harvest theme based Net.

Bringing The Walls Down

2008-10-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

After the summer break (or what passed for summer), it was great to be back together again for the first Net of the autumn term, and what a Net it was. It was great to see a large crowd of families in church.

The theme for this Net was 'Bringing The Walls Down', where we were looking at the story of Joshua from the Old Testament, and how with God's help he and the Israelite army were able to bring the walls of Jericho crashing down.

After hearing about the story, we then had a busy time making uniforms and trumpets, ready to re-enact the story of Jericho. It was loud, mad chaos, as we walked around the walls of Jericho (made from a pile of boxes), blowing our trumpets before destroying the wall.

September 21st The Net

2008-09-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

The next Net is taking place on Sunday 21st September 4-5pm at St Martin' s Church, Sutton Road Walsall.

This month we're looking at the story of Joshua & Jericho. As usual there will be the fun mix of activities, and games for all ages.

We look forward to seeing you then!

The Net: Sunday July 20th 2008

2008-06-23T05:22:00.000-07:00

Summer is here, and to celebrate the fact, and to get ourselves ready for the excitement of the Olympics starting in August, we thought we'd hold our own Olympic Games at The Net on Sunday July 20th.

Although we won't be giving out medals, you can guarantee that we'll have lots of fun.

Because this will be the last Net before the summer holidays, we thought we'd finish off the day with a BBQ, so although The Net will last the usual hour (4-5pm) we hope people will be able to stay on beyond that so we can enjoy a barbie together.

We look forward to seeing you on the 20th July.

The Net June 15th 2008

2008-06-09T03:25:00.000-07:00

Join us at The Net on Sunday June 15th from 4-5pm for an hour packed full of fun activities, craft and much more.

St Martin's Church Hall, Sutton Road, Walsall.

See below for details about previous Net's

Treasure Island

2008-05-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

On Sunday May 18th, we were looking for treasure at The Net.

A number of people turned up dressed as pirates, and we had a busy time making pirate hats, eye patches, and the pirates best friend 'Polly the Parrot', as well as making pirate biscuits and searching for gold.

At the end of The Net we helped 'Mad Mick' piece together his treasure map, which had been torn in pieces, and we learnt how the greatest treasure in the world is being a friend with Jesus. We finished our time together by singing a song and having a short prayer, before eating the biscuits we had made during The Net.

Mad Mick is much friendlier than he looks!

If you would like to see what The Net is like, why not join us on Sunday June 15th at 4pm, at St Martin's Church on the Sutton Road in Walsall.

You will be assured of a really warm welcome, and lots of fun!

Treasure Island

2008-05-16T01:42:00.001-07:00

Haven't discovered The Net yet?

Then why not join us on Sunday (18th May) between 4pm and 5pm, as we spend time together learning about God in a fun and creative way.

The Net is aimed at the whole family. If you are thinking you'd like to find out more about the Christian faith, or would like to come along to church, then The Net is the ideal service for you.

We hope to see you on Sunday!

All About Me

2008-04-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

April’s Net was ‘All about us’ so we got to know each other a bit better and thought about our differences. We talked about how God loves us all whatever we are like on the inside and outside. Then we had fun disguising ourselves and trying to recognise each other in our ID parade.

Pictures from The Net

2008-04-25T05:24:00.000-07:00

April's Net

2008-04-16T02:54:00.000-07:00

The next Net takes places Sunday April 20th at 4pm in St Martin's Church Hall. This month the theme is 'Who Am I?' We will be making disguises, playing games, and exploring who we really are. It's guaranteed to be a lot of fun. Come along and be involved as much or as little as you like.

Easter Activity Day

2008-04-09T06:34:00.000-07:00

On Good Friday over 40 children packed into St Martin's Church for a fun packed Activity Day. During the day there was banner making, craft activities, puppet making, making musical instruments, and games. One of the main higlights was the drum session, led by the group 'Drum Love', who also participated in the service at the end of the day.

The church was packed with people for a special half hour service at the end of the Activity Day, in which the chidren played a major part.

The Net will be meeting next on Sunday April 20th at 4pm, where the theme is 'Who am I?'. Like the activity day there will be lots of fun creative activities taking place at The Net.

We hope to see you on the 20th!

2008-02-08T04:20:00.001-08:00

The Net: Gone Fishing

Sunday February 17th at 4pm

Come and join the fun, and discover church with a difference!

2008-01-16T02:34:00.000-08:00

Please join us for the first Net of 2008, where the theme is 'Signs & Wonders'.

The Net is a very relaxed and informal event, and ideal for those who may not be used to attending church. The emphasis is on having fun!

The Net: Sunday 20th January 4-5pm at St Martin's Church Hall, Sutton Road, Walsall

The Net Christmas Party 2007

2007-12-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

The Net Christmas Party - Sunday 16th December 2007 4-6pm St Martin's Church, Sutton Road, Walsall

All are warmly welcome to attend! We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Evan Almighty - The Net Sunday 18th November

2007-11-09T02:25:00.001-08:00

Evan Almighty at the Net, Sunday 18th November 4-5pm at St Martin's Church, Walsall. Come along and find out more!

The Weather Tomorrow - Rain Sunday 18th November

2007-11-09T02:17:00.000-08:00

The Net Sunday July 15th 2007

2007-07-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

Please join us for fun and fellowship for the final Net before the summer break.

The Net 20th May 2007

2007-04-28T03:58:00.000-07:00

You are guaranteed a very warm welcome at the Net, it is a very informal and relaxed event, and if you have not been to church for a long time, or before, it is a great way of meeting with other Christrians in a very friendly and relaxed environment. The Net is designed so that the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest can be involved together in the different activities we run. If you want to know more please contact Simon on 01922 611909 or Martin on 01922 630900.

We look forward to seeing you on May 20th!

The Net: Sunday April 15th @ 4pm

2007-04-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

A fun quiz for all the family to enjoy, come along, have fun, and make new friends.

Mothering Sunday 18th March

2007-03-14T04:19:00.000-07:00

The next Net will take place on Mothering Sunday (18th March) at 4pm. Being Mothering Sunday there will be a very special treat for all mum's who attend The Net.

The Net is for ALL the family, and not just children. So why not come along, and see what The Net has to offer you.

What is heaven like?

2007-03-14T04:06:00.000-07:00

In February we looked at the subject 'What is Heaven Like?' Jesus once said, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough." With this in mind, one of the activities was to make animals or figures out of bread, which resulted in the wonderful smell of freshly baked bread filling the whole church.

We also tried our hand at origami (as illustrated by Liz & Diane). We finished The Net with a little drama, and by thinking about how although we come from different places, as Christians are true home is with God in heaven.

So what's heaven like?

2007-02-09T02:23:00.000-08:00

The next Net will be held on Sunday 18th February, and we'll be thinking about the question, 'So what's heaven like?

This month’s Net is based on a few verses taken from Luke’s gospel,

Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches." Again he asked, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."

I think that Jesus is showing us that the kingdom of God is an active, living thing and when it comes into contact with the world, has an effect on it. There is an inevitable reaction when a seed is planted in a garden or when yeast is added to dough and I think that as we come closer to where God is, we react. It may be that we say no, but God does not sow just the one seed in our lives, He throws his seed at us in generous handfuls. If we allow God to plant his seed then His kingdom can grow in us.

The birds that come to rest in the branches of the mustard tree I think can represent all the people of different Christian faiths that make up the worldwide church. Despite our differences of expressing our faith, the faith is rooted in Jesus and all can find peace and safety in the branches of God’s kingdom.

The yeast reminds me of the fact that a little bit of the kingdom in the world has a big and wonderful affect. I know that sometimes people within the church do some bad things and these are readily brought to our attention through the media. However, there is so much more good done by the church that goes on without notice. I am not saying that the Christian church has the exclusive rights on good works, but as far as St. Martin’s is concerned, behind the good works is the desire to bring the kingdom of God to others.

May God bless you and all of your family,
Martin

Daniel

2007-02-09T02:18:00.000-08:00

At the first Net of 2007, we looked at Daniel, who was born in Israel but taken into captivity by the Babylonians. Daniel went onto become a great leader, and despite great opposition, Daniel constantly trusted in God. Probably the most famous story of Daniel is when he was thrown into the Lions Den, by his enemies (because he refused to worship the Emperor), but God saved his life, and Daniel went on to become a very powerful and well respected man.

The Net Christmas Party

2007-02-09T01:54:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas Party at The Net in December, with over 40 children and teenagers, plus adults present. As well as plenty of food, and lots of traditional Christmas games and activities, we looked at the real significance of Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus. A great time was had by everyone!

We even managed to catch a rare photo of Ruddolf the Red Nose Reindeer!

Making a Christmas Banner

What would a party be, without parse the parcel?

Christmas Party

2006-11-19T10:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas is only five weeks away, and the next Net (which takes place on December 17th at 4pm) we will be getting into the Christmas spirit with a very special Christmas Party. This will be a longer Net than usual, starting at 4pm and finishing at 6pm. We'd love to see as many people there as possible, whether you have been to The Net before or not.

Also on December 17th is our extremely popular Carols by Candlelight service which takes place in St Martin's at 6.30pm - why not come to The Net and stay on for this beautiful carol service, as we celelbrate the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.

What friends are for

2006-11-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

There is a Jewish saying which goes, 'Who finds a faithful friend, finds a treasure.' Friends are important, without them life is not the same. This month we consider 'What friends are for' at The Net, we began the Net by playing some parachute games, before watching a clip from the film 'Shrek' where Donkey and Shrek meet for the first time, and begin their friendship. Following on from this there were different activities based around the theme of friendship, and we finished the session by thinking about what sort of friends we are, and above all remembering that Jesus is our friend too.

It's good to talk

2006-11-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

Martin showing different places in the world that we were praying for at The Net

In October out theme was 'It's good to talk'. There were different activities based around this theme, creating prayer bracelets, making telephones out of string and paper cups, and of course the YMCA song! You may be wondering what the YMCA song has to do this theme, but the idea was that people would dance to the song using semaphore to spell out the letters YMCA (the St Martin's dance troupe are also available for weddings, babarmitzvahs, parties etc.)

David

2006-11-19T05:17:00.000-08:00

After a break for summer, The Net started again in September. Clues were placed around the church and hall and people were asked to identify a certain mystery person. Eventually this mystery person was revealed as King David, we then thought about the way in which God chose David to be King of Israel (because he seemed an unlikely choice), and how we shouldn't judge people on outward appearances, but look for what is on the inside.

‘People judge others by what they look like, but I judge people by what is in their hearts’ (1 Samuel 16.7).

Recreation

2006-11-19T05:07:00.000-08:00

'All work no play, makes Jack a dull boy', so goes the saying. In the book of Genesis we are told that after six days of work, God rested. Recreation, taking time for ourselves away from work, having fun is important for our physical, emotional and spiritual well being. At the July Net, we focused on this theme of recreation, with lots of activities designed to encourage to think about what this means for us as Christians, and how to maintain a healthy balance in life.

It is not a Mars bar that helps us 'Work, rest and play' but God!

The Net finished with a BBQ on the lawn outside St Martin's, as we enjoyed the fantastic summer weather.

Creation

2006-11-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

In June we focused on the theme of creation, in particular God the creator. Genesis 1 and 2 tells us that God created all things, including you and me! We thought of issues related to the theme of creation, in particular our responsibility to care for the environment, and to understand what it means for us to be created and loved by God.

As you will see from below, one of the activities included face painting!

New Beginnings

2006-11-16T12:18:00.000-08:00

The first Net took place on Sunday May 21st 2006. The theme of this Net was New Beginnings which seemed particularly appropriate as The Net was a new beginning for St Martin's, as nothing like this had been tried before.

As you will see from the photos the emphasis is on having fun, because we believe that learning about God should be fun, and relevant.

During the hour that The Net meets, there are lots of different activities to get involved with - these vary from month to month depending on the theme. Over the last few months we have done dance, face painting, cooking, art work, quizzes, etc.