St Thomas Church, Garretts Green – Coleshill and Polesworth Deanery
Each December at St Thomas Church, Garretts Green, Advent begins with a remarkable transformation. With no stables in this outer-city parish, creativity takes the lead. Using a tent frame, an army surplus parachute, garden screening, straw bales, and plenty of willing hands, the Lady Chapel is lovingly converted into a Bethlehem stable.
Preparation starts on Advent Sunday, with youth discipleship groups laying floors and building the structure, straw arriving midweek, and costumes and props carefully sorted. By the time local Year 2 classes arrive, the church is ready to welcome them on their Journey to the Stable.
Children begin outside the church, meeting the Magi and following the star to the Bethlehem Inn. After lively interaction with a very busy innkeeper, they are gently guided—imaginations fully engaged—towards the stable. There, seated in the straw with shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, they hear the Christmas story unfold through Godly Play-style storytelling, shared gifts, song, and prayer.
For many children, this is the first time they realise why Christmas is celebrated—and it often comes as a joyful surprise. Each child leaves with a nativity figure to colour and hang on their Christmas tree, carrying the story home with them.
Journey to the Stable has been running for many years. Teenagers still remember their visit; some once played baby Jesus themselves. The stable continues to serve schools, community groups, children’s clubs, and even Christmas Day worship. Though the fruit is not always immediate, time and again we discover that seeds planted here quietly take root—sometimes years later.
As stray pieces of straw linger into the new year, they remind us that God’s story, once encountered, has a way of staying with us.