Not that many sleeps until Christmas... just saying! It also means a new issue of Spill the Beans has just been incarnated covering the season of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany up to Transfiguration Sunday, 29 November 2015 to 7 February 2016.

Note that issue 16 is still available (see the sidebar on the right) if you are wanting something to take you up to the end of this liturgical year, 22 November 2016.

In Issue 17 you will find the usual rich assortment of ideas and resources for worship and age groups. Have a particular look, if you are doing worship planning, at the ideas for a Blue Christmas service with a particular focus on helping people who have suffered recent loss to worship in this season.

A huge thank you to all the creative team who added their contributions for this issue. And, believe it or not, we have already had our two planning meetings to look ahead to Lent and Easter... that material is now being written.

For current Beanies you alread know what a fabulous resource this is, created by folks here in Scotland. If you have not yet, but are intrigued, have a look at this sample.

If you'd like to download a full copy of Issue 17 for use in your church or personally, then click the button below. The cost is only £12. You can make a secure payment via PayPal and then an email with secure link to the download should wing its way to you. Please note that you can only download the file using this link three times, so please make sure you save the file to your computer (or share to your book library or Adobe Reader if you are using an iPad).

Please follow the instructions carefully. The Adobe pdf file is approximately 4 MB so it will take some time to download.

Spill the Beans Issue 17

You can also get involved in feedback and discussion on the Spill the Beans blog, where we try to put up weekly PowerPoint backgrounds too. There is also a facebook group in which we share ideas.

Print Copies

If you would like a print copy of Spill the Beans, then this can be arranged. The cost is usually around £22+P&P and these can be arranged directly with the office at Lanark Greyfriars Church. Each issue is in full colour and comb bound for ease of use. We have had to raise the costs of the print copy from our initial issues as we have found the original costs were not covering the costs of producing the copies.

If you would like to order copies (which are all printed to order so there may be a few days to wait before you receive yours) then you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your order details. An invoice will be issued after dispatch of your order. If you prefer you can contact Greyfriars Church Office on 01555 661510 and place your order over the phone.