2021
Special Services
(scroll down for pictures and text)
Special Services
(scroll down for pictures and text)
Social distancing and special Government rulings are practised when Services are able to be held in Church
Special Church Meeting
as part of Service
Sunday, 21st February 10.45 am
Mrs Denise Dobie
ZOOM/phone
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as part of Service
Sunday, 21st February 10.45 am
Mrs Denise Dobie
ZOOM/phone
++++++++++++
2020
Sadly, due to constraints of Covid-19, there are no photographic records of the December 2020 Services
Christmas Day
Friday, 25th December, 10.00 am
Also via ZOOM/phone
Mrs Denise Dobie
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Friday, 25th December, 10.00 am
Also via ZOOM/phone
Mrs Denise Dobie
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Sunday, 20th December, 4.30 pm
Community Carols on the Car Park
led by Mrs Denise Dobie
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Community Carols on the Car Park
led by Mrs Denise Dobie
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Service of Baptism
Sunday, 20th December, 10.45 am
Mrs Denise Dobie
Also via ZOOM/phone
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Sunday, 20th December, 10.45 am
Mrs Denise Dobie
Also via ZOOM/phone
++++++++++++
Service of Baptism
Sunday, 13th December, 10.45 am
Mrs Denise Dobie
Also via ZOOM/phone
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Sunday, 13th December, 10.45 am
Mrs Denise Dobie
Also via ZOOM/phone
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Remembrance Sunday
service cancelled due to Covid-19
Sunday, 8th November, 10.45 am
Mrs Denise Dobie
service will be led on ZOOM
a poppy wreath has been laid in the
Garden of Remembrance
on behalf of Church members
++++++++++++++
service cancelled due to Covid-19
Sunday, 8th November, 10.45 am
Mrs Denise Dobie
service will be led on ZOOM
a poppy wreath has been laid in the
Garden of Remembrance
on behalf of Church members
++++++++++++++
Harvest Sunday
Sunday, 4th October, 10.45 am
Mrs Denise Dobie
Thanks go to everyone who donated items of food, these were
gratefully accepted by Darkhouse Food Bank
+++++++++++++++
Sunday, 4th October, 10.45 am
Mrs Denise Dobie
Thanks go to everyone who donated items of food, these were
gratefully accepted by Darkhouse Food Bank
+++++++++++++++
Easter Sunday - service cancelled due to Covid-19
Sunday, 12th April, 10.45 am
Mrs Denise Dobie
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Sunday, 12th April, 10.45 am
Mrs Denise Dobie
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Palm Sunday - service cancelled due to Covid-19
Sunday, 5th April, 10.45 am
Mrs Denise Dobie
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Sunday, 5th April, 10.45 am
Mrs Denise Dobie
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Welcome Service
Saturday, 11th January
What a wonderful afternoon, the Church was full with folk wanting to be part of the official welcome to Mrs Denise Dobie as Minister in Training at Darkhouse.
There were many tributes paid to Denise for the way she has carried out her life to date. From completing her medical training to become a GP to answering the Call to Ministry. Denise is now continuing both roles, as a locum GP and Minister in Training.
After two years at Bewdley Baptist Church, Denise will now spend the next two years at Darkhouse.
Denise joins Darkhouse as a Ray of Light Shining Bright For All.
WELCOME, Denise
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Saturday, 11th January
What a wonderful afternoon, the Church was full with folk wanting to be part of the official welcome to Mrs Denise Dobie as Minister in Training at Darkhouse.
There were many tributes paid to Denise for the way she has carried out her life to date. From completing her medical training to become a GP to answering the Call to Ministry. Denise is now continuing both roles, as a locum GP and Minister in Training.
After two years at Bewdley Baptist Church, Denise will now spend the next two years at Darkhouse.
Denise joins Darkhouse as a Ray of Light Shining Bright For All.
WELCOME, Denise
+++++++++++++++++++
2019
Christmas Day
Wednesday, 25th December
Our Lord's Birthday was celebrated in a Service led by Denise and attended by a larger number of people than of recent years. Denise had a novel way of retelling the Christmas story, with Katie and Kathryn choosing the appropriate chocolate bars to match certain words as they were spoken.
Denise presented a picture to the Church which will be hung in a prominent place.
Wednesday, 25th December
Our Lord's Birthday was celebrated in a Service led by Denise and attended by a larger number of people than of recent years. Denise had a novel way of retelling the Christmas story, with Katie and Kathryn choosing the appropriate chocolate bars to match certain words as they were spoken.
Denise presented a picture to the Church which will be hung in a prominent place.
Nativity Service
including Junior Church Prize Giving
Sunday, 22nd December
What a fantastic Service! Following the presentation of Junior Church prizes by Peter and Denise, the Service moved on when, led by Denise and with a large cast (who had no idea when they arrived at Church that they would be required to 'dress up', 'do actions' and, even, 'trot around the room') everyone went on a journey
- a l....o....n....g journey -
which brought them to the stable to see Mary and Joseph with their new-born baby lying in a manger.
Told (and acted) with much laughter - where else would you see the Nativity performed with five Wise Men, seven or eight shepherds for one-and-a-half-sheep and everyone needing labels to say who they were? - the story brought the whole Church together with the event being completed with a feast of cake, mince pies, tea and coffee.
including Junior Church Prize Giving
Sunday, 22nd December
What a fantastic Service! Following the presentation of Junior Church prizes by Peter and Denise, the Service moved on when, led by Denise and with a large cast (who had no idea when they arrived at Church that they would be required to 'dress up', 'do actions' and, even, 'trot around the room') everyone went on a journey
- a l....o....n....g journey -
which brought them to the stable to see Mary and Joseph with their new-born baby lying in a manger.
Told (and acted) with much laughter - where else would you see the Nativity performed with five Wise Men, seven or eight shepherds for one-and-a-half-sheep and everyone needing labels to say who they were? - the story brought the whole Church together with the event being completed with a feast of cake, mince pies, tea and coffee.
Carols and Candles
Sunday, 15th December
This wonderful afternoon Service organised by Denise and the Deacons involved several Readers
(from age 11 years upwards) who told the Christmas story through Bible readings, poems and carols.
The Service also included the bringing of gifts for Shepherds Green House, Birmingham.
Thanks go to everyone who played a part in the Service and to all who donated the many gifts for the chlldren spending Christmas at Shepherds Green House.
Sunday, 15th December
This wonderful afternoon Service organised by Denise and the Deacons involved several Readers
(from age 11 years upwards) who told the Christmas story through Bible readings, poems and carols.
The Service also included the bringing of gifts for Shepherds Green House, Birmingham.
Thanks go to everyone who played a part in the Service and to all who donated the many gifts for the chlldren spending Christmas at Shepherds Green House.

Young People's Service
Sunday, 8th December
Thanks go to our Young - and not-so young - People who led the Service which included the annual Give a Coin - Take a Sweet collection for Junior Church BMS Project and the Darkhouse Christmas Tree of Stars.
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Sunday, 8th December
Thanks go to our Young - and not-so young - People who led the Service which included the annual Give a Coin - Take a Sweet collection for Junior Church BMS Project and the Darkhouse Christmas Tree of Stars.
++++++++++++++++++++
Remembrance Service
Sunday, 10th November
A large number of Darkhouse folk took part in the Coseley Remembrance Parade followed by Service at Christ Church. For those who remained at Darkhouse, Pastor David Umbers led the Remembrance Service and a poppy wreath was laid by Glenys in the Memorial Garden. The Silence was observed.
Armistice Day
Monday, 11th November
At 11.00 am on the 11th day of the 11th month, a group of people, including 3 from Darkhouse, gathered on The Green, Coseley, to remember those who gave their lives in battle so that we should live our lives in freedom.
Two minutes silence was observed.
We will remember them
Monday, 11th November
At 11.00 am on the 11th day of the 11th month, a group of people, including 3 from Darkhouse, gathered on The Green, Coseley, to remember those who gave their lives in battle so that we should live our lives in freedom.
Two minutes silence was observed.
We will remember them
236th Church Anniversary
Sunday, 13th October, 10.45 am
This special Service marking 236 years of Darkhouse was led by
Mr Roger Turley
Thanks were given for the people who walked from Coseley to Brierley Hill (approx 2 hrs), attended a 2-hour Church Service, then walked back to Coseley (approx another 2 hrs), lighting their way by carrying candles in heavy glass jars. Eventually, things became too much for them and The Dark House at Darkhouse Lane became Darkhouse Baptist Church.
Joshua helped Roger portray the story by walking round the Church six times while carrying
a candle in a large jar, so "Bringing Light into Darkhouse".
The Service which also included the offering of Talents was followed by a Coffee Morning on behalf of
West Midlands Lupus Group.
Baby Dedication
Sunday, 29th September
Rev Matt Brookes welcomed
Autumn Rose Hall into the Family of Darkhouse
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Sunday, 29th September
Rev Matt Brookes welcomed
Autumn Rose Hall into the Family of Darkhouse
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Harvest
Sunday, 22nd September
Mr John Noble led the Service which included the presentation of
Harvest produce
The Harvest Supper, Monday, 23rd September, included a performance by the
Kay Jay Dancers. Harvest produce was sold for charity.
Sunday, 22nd September
Mr John Noble led the Service which included the presentation of
Harvest produce
The Harvest Supper, Monday, 23rd September, included a performance by the
Kay Jay Dancers. Harvest produce was sold for charity.
Service of Baptism
Sunday, 23rd June
Helen Humphries was baptised by Rev Matt Brookes
Sunday, 23rd June
Helen Humphries was baptised by Rev Matt Brookes
Easter at Darkhouse
Palm Sunday + Good Friday + Easter Sunday
2018
CHRISTMAS DAY
OUR LORD'S BIRTHDAY Tuesday, 25th December Pastor David Umbers led the Christmas Morning Service which, although attended by fewer people than previous years, was enjoyed by those who were present. Bringing Magic into Church
Sunday, 23rd December Mark Harrington brought his special way of 'Spreading the Word' to Darkhouse using 'magic' - how does he bring a blank book to full colour and 'mend' a broken string on a balloon? Mark also brought along a gift of a 'heart-box' to hold a Bible passage for each person. Joshua and Alfie were pleased to be able to display their 'heart-boxes'. Gift Service & Prize Giving
Sunday, 9th December Junior Church led the Service with a presentation of "The New Noisy Neighbour" Gifts were collected for the youngsters staying at Shepherd's Green House, Birmingham, over Christmas and Prizes were presented to the Young People for their attendance at Church throughout the year. A 'Give a Coin, Take a Sweet' collection was held as part of Darkhouse Young People's contribution to the Church annual donation to the BMS. Thanks go to Junior Church for, once again, preparing and presenting an excellent Service and bringing home the message of kindness to others. Remembrance Service
Sunday, 11th November A large number of Darkhouse folk took part in the Coseley Remembrance Parade followed by Service at Christ Church. For those who remained at Darkhouse, Rev David Tennant led the Remembrance Service and a poppy wreath was laid by Joshua & Alfie in the Memorial Garden. The Silence was observed. 235th Church Anniversary
& Family Memorial Celebration Service Sunday, 14th October This special Service marking 235 years of Darkhouse was led by Mr Roger Turley Thanks were given for the years that Darkhouse has served the community in Coseley and those who went before us and who played a part in our family lives and a part in the life of our Church and our local community were remembered. Following the Service there was an invitation to everyone to stay for refreshments and to share a time of family reflection and memories together. Thanks go to those who prepared the Church with candles ready for lighting by the congregation, set out tables and chairs in the Church Hall and presented a good variety of refreshments. Special thanks go to Roger for leading the Service, to Simon for his beautiful music and Michaela for the lovely birthday cake. It was a truly inspirational time ++++++ Harvest
Sunday, 23rd September This special Service celebrating the abundance of food at Harvest-time was led by Mr Alan Lowe Harvest Supper Monday, 24th September The Kay Jay Dancers provided entertainment then the supper was followed by the sale of produce for charity Family Service
Sunday, 24th June Led by Rev Matt Brookes with Girls' Brigade Easter at Darkhouse
Easter Sunday
HE IS RISEN
Good Friday
Palm Sunday
Baby Dedication
Sunday, 11th February Emmie-Mai is welcomed into Darkhouse during her Dedication Service by Rev Matt Brookes 2017
Christmas Day
25th December Pastor David Umbers led the Special Christmas Morning Service which, although attended by fewer folk than usual, was enjoyed by all who were present. Christmas Eve
Sunday, 24th December Mr Mark Harrington brought his mixture of Christian magic to Darkhouse for a Special Christmas Eve Service. Thank you to Joshua and Thomas for taking part. Candles & Carols
Sunday, 17th December The Service of Carols and Readings by candlelight, organised by the Deacons, included the Giving of Gifts for the children at Shepherds Green House, B'ham - held over from Sunday, 10th December, due to bad weather causing the Gift Service to be abandoned. The congregation had the opportunity to sing their favourite carols and hear the Christmas message. Followed by coffee and mince pies, it was a wonderful event. Remembrance Service
Sunday, 12th November A large number of Darkhouse folk took part in the Coseley Remembrance Parade followed by Service at Christ Church. For those who remained at Darkhouse, Rev Jim Girdwood led the Remembrance Service and a poppy wreath was laid in the Memorial Garden. The Silence was observed. Armistice Day
Saturday, 11th November At 11.00 am on the 11th day of the 11th month, 21 people gathered on The Green, Coseley, to remember those who gave their lives in battle so that we should live our lives in freedom. Two minutes silence was observed. We will remember them The Service of Remembrance was led by Rev Alan Howes with support from Katie Perry. 7 Darkhouse folk attended. Harvest
Sunday, 17th September This special Service celebrating the abundance of food at Harvest-time was led by Mr Chris Pearce of Tipton Green Methodist Church Harvest Supper Monday, 18th September The Kay Jay Dancers provided entertainment then the supper was followed by the sale of produce for charity Family Service
Sunday, 11th June Easter at Darkhouse
2016
CHRISTMAS DAY, 25th December
Pastor David Umbers led the Special Christmas Morning Service which was enjoyed by all who attended Candles & Carols, Sunday, 18th December.
The Service of Carols and Readings by candlelight, organised by the Deacons, gave the large congregation opportunity to sing their favourite carols and hear the Christmas message. Followed by coffee and mince pies, it was a wonderful event. Remembrance Service
Sunday, 13th November A large number of Darkhouse folk took part in the Coseley Remembrance Parade followed by Service at Christ Church, those who remained at Darkhouse laid a poppy wreath in the Memorial Garden and observed the Silence. Armistice Day
Friday, 11th November At 11.00 am on the 11th day of the 11th month, 18 people (and 1 dog) gathered on The Green, Coseley, to remember those who gave their lives in battle so that we should live our lives in freedom.. Two minutes silence was observed. We will remember them The Service of Remembrance was led by Katie Perry and 7 Darkhouse folk attended. Family Service
Sunday, 12th June Easter at Darkhouse
2015
Christmas at Darkhouse Family Service
Sunday, 27th December Joshua and Thomas help Pastor David tell the story of Good King Wenceslas Christmas Day
Friday, 25th December, 10.00 am Pastor David Umbers led the Special Christmas Morning Service which was enjoyed by all who attended. Candlelight Carol Service
Sunday, 20th December A Service of Carols and Readings by candlelight gave a rousing start to the Christmas festivities. Followed by coffee, mince pies and cake, the event was enjoyed by the large congregation. Armistice Day
Wednesday, 11th November At 11.00 am on the 11th day of the 11th month 30 people gathered on The Green, Coseley, to observe two minutes Silence in respect of all those who gave their lives during two World Wars so that future generations should have freedom. Also remembered were those who have given their lives in more recent times in parts of the world where people continue to struggle against oppression.
We will remember them Mr Roy Perry led the Act of Remembrance and 10 Darkhouse folk attended Remembrance Service
Sunday, 8th November Whilst a large number of Darkhouse folk took part in the Coseley Remembrance Parade followed by Service at Christ Church, those who remained at Darkhouse laid a poppy wreath in the Memorial Garden and observed the Silence.
Songs of Praise
Sunday, 18th October The Songs of Praise Service made a welcome return to the Darkhouse diary
with hymns chosen by the congregation. Thanks go to all who nominated a favourite hymn .Church Anniversary
Sunday, 11th October We were pleased to welcome Rev. Gerald Hemp who stepped in at short notice to lead
the 232nd Church Anniversary Service. Missionary Sunday
Sunday, 4th October Sue & Malc White, BMS workers in Chad, have returned to the UK and visited
Darkhouse to share some of their experiences During the Service, Emma was welcomed into Darkhouse as a Church Member following her Baptism, Sunday, 20th September Harvest Festival
Sunday, 27th September Believer's Baptism Sunday, 20th September Emma proclaimed her Love for The Lord Kathryn led the singing of Emma's favourite song Easter at Darkhouse
Easter Breakfast
2014
Christmas at Darkhouse
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Big Welcome Back to Church Sunday
Pastor David Umbers congratulates Sam on overcoming his fear of water and Joshua on achieving 2 more swimming certificates Well done, Boys! Palm Sunday/Maundy Thursday
Easter Sunday
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Baby Dedication
Easter Sunday
Easter Breakfast
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Big Welcome Back to Church Sunday
left-right: Thomas, Joshua, Scarlet, Grace, Megan and Sam help Pastor David present the Young People's Talk Thank you for 'waving the flag' so well Good Friday
Easter Sunday
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Christmas with Joe's Corner
Sunday 15th December - A very special service
To celebrate Christmas this year, Joe's Corner (together with Matt Bateman) shared their interpretation of the Nativity Story, through songs, images, poems, Bible readings and traditional carols.
They encouraged us to consider how the innocent Mary felt to be faced with such an awesome task of bringing God's Son into our world; how Joseph felt finding out his betrothed was pregnant before marriage; how the shepherds were faced with what seemed like the special effects scene of a blockbuster movie and how the wise men were led to Bethlehem. These diverse aspects of a story we know so well were brought right up to date, making them so much more believable to everyone. All of this was interspersed with Chart hits; Gospel choruses and traditional carols.
The result......A truly memorable evening was shared by those aged 1 to 81 from near and far
some from as far as Peterborough!
With mince pies, cakes, tea and coffee encouraging everyone to linger and share the fellowship at the end.
We are so proud to have this wonderful group of young men share their faith in a very special way and look forward to welcoming them back again (and again!).
Watch this space........
Sunday 15th December - A very special service
To celebrate Christmas this year, Joe's Corner (together with Matt Bateman) shared their interpretation of the Nativity Story, through songs, images, poems, Bible readings and traditional carols.
They encouraged us to consider how the innocent Mary felt to be faced with such an awesome task of bringing God's Son into our world; how Joseph felt finding out his betrothed was pregnant before marriage; how the shepherds were faced with what seemed like the special effects scene of a blockbuster movie and how the wise men were led to Bethlehem. These diverse aspects of a story we know so well were brought right up to date, making them so much more believable to everyone. All of this was interspersed with Chart hits; Gospel choruses and traditional carols.
The result......A truly memorable evening was shared by those aged 1 to 81 from near and far
some from as far as Peterborough!
With mince pies, cakes, tea and coffee encouraging everyone to linger and share the fellowship at the end.
We are so proud to have this wonderful group of young men share their faith in a very special way and look forward to welcoming them back again (and again!).
Watch this space........
Sunday 22nd December - Carols and Candles
How lovely it was to have the church lit by candles for the Service of Readings and Carols. It was good to see so many people, some not seen for a long time, singing their favourite Christmas songs and listening to well-known readings from the Bible then sharing tea/coffee, mince pies and cakes while catching up with each others' news.
Thanks go to the Readers who delivered the Christmas message so clearly, Simon for his wonderful piano interlude, the Ladies for organising the refreshments (and clearing up afterwards), David for arranging the Service and all who helped in any way to make the Carols and Candles event such a wonderful part of Christmas at Darkhouse.
How lovely it was to have the church lit by candles for the Service of Readings and Carols. It was good to see so many people, some not seen for a long time, singing their favourite Christmas songs and listening to well-known readings from the Bible then sharing tea/coffee, mince pies and cakes while catching up with each others' news.
Thanks go to the Readers who delivered the Christmas message so clearly, Simon for his wonderful piano interlude, the Ladies for organising the refreshments (and clearing up afterwards), David for arranging the Service and all who helped in any way to make the Carols and Candles event such a wonderful part of Christmas at Darkhouse.
Darkhouse Christmas Trees