Church Bulletin

Friends Reunited is the theme for this week as many of us have been able to meet with friends for coffee, or lunch or a glass of something nice. The simple thing of sharing a coffee with a friend and catching up with their news is something that I have missed over the period of lockdown.                

Zoom has been an asset that I didn’t know I needed fifteen months ago and has enabled me to stay in touch, to catch up and also to do things like Bible Study which has been really important for me, and I hope for others. But, actually, seeing people in the same room has been a joy.

That doesn’t mean that joy has been absent while being in lockdown, or, as I said to Dave this week being locked up, which may be nearer to what we have felt recently. I have found joy in walking, in the changing seasons, although not the wind and rain of recent days, and in my granddaughter who is such a joy. Joy in loving and giving and looking to the future; and it is easier at some times than others to appreciate the joy of small things.

One of my favourite psalms, Psalm 16, talks about joy. As the palmist praises God his words reverberate for me this week: ‘You have made known to me the path of life. You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.‘ Joy in God’s goodness, joy in his plans for me even if I don’t always fully understand them, joy in the security of God’s love. These joys are built on a sure foundation and sustain us in good times and in challenging times. Look for that joy and thank God when you experience it.

Sue Masters
Reader

The Future – Finding a New Vicar

Today the advertisement for a vicar for St Andrew’s has been placed in the Church Times newspaper and on the Coventry Diocese website. The advert will run over four weeks and the accompanying Parish Profile will help people to see who we are, and how God equips us in our church and community. Please continue to pray that God is calling the person who will work with us to serve God in our church and parish.

St Andrew’s PCC

At the APCM on Monday evening a new PCC was elected to serve our church in the coming year. The following people are PCC members:

Nick Tooby and Becky Crowe (Church Wardens), Lesley Lee and Sue Masters (Readers), Charley Watts (Deanery Synod), Linda Chylinski, Trevor Hill, Richard Marr, Paul Crowe, Diane Wilson, John Ross-Barnard, Rita Muir, Penny Wakefield, Clive Murden, Julia McNaney and Jeremy Thomas.

We thank them for their willingness to serve God and our church and ask you please to pray for them in their role as leaders of our church.

Farewell

We say farewell to Chris Jarvis and her husband Mick as they move from Coventry to Devon. Please hold them in your prayers as they move and settle in a new place.

Phil Richardson’s Licensing Service

Below is the link to Phil’s licensing service on Sunday.

https://app.faith.online/p/events/bEPqxUoqT

If this any reason it doesn’t work people can also try the Parish of Cove YouTube page.

https://youtube.com/user/coveparish

Covid 19

From 17^th May stage three on the road map comes into place. Coventry Council’s public health team have given us the following advice.

We encourage you to socially distance from those outside of your household, continue to wear face masks in venues that these are required in and wash your hands regularly. We also encourage everyone to now be ensuring that they have a lateral flow test twice a week to help control the spread of the virus.

Hugging, embracing and handshaking has been prohibited since the start of the pandemic as it is known to transmit infection. It is advisable that physical contact such as hugging embracing and handshaking is as limited as possible. People have been longing to hug embrace and shake hands, it is advisable that for the time being this is restricted to people in your family/household/support bubble.

Physical contact greetings (hug, embrace handshake) should be the very rare exception not the norm and it is suggested you use other types of greetings such as a wave or the elbow bump. This will help to keep the transmission of Covid as low as possible.

Recruitment of Volunteers at St Andrew’s and St Andy’s

We would like to highlight that all church volunteers must be safely recruited and some volunteers are also required to undergo a DBS check and complete safeguarding modules. This isn’t St Andrew’s being picky, it is a legal requirement stipulated by the diocese for every volunteer role.

As lockdown eases, we must now be vigilant and ensure all the necessary checks are completed.

If you are a church volunteer and have not yet been safely recruited, please contact Julie (Parish Administrator) at administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or Linda Chylinski (Parish Safeguarding Officer) at onelindilou@gmail.com to arrange for this to be completed.

All members of the PCC must ensure that they complete Parish Safeguarding module C0 (Basic safeguarding Awareness) which is available online.

Church Opening

The church is now open for live worship every Sunday and for private prayer on Thursdays.

Due to limited seating, places may be reserved by contacting Julie on a first come, first served basis. As before, we urge you if you have an invitation not to forget and if you are suddenly unable to attend to let us know at the earliest possible moment. Face masks continue to be required. If you see anyone not wearing a face mask, it is because they have medical exemption. We are not allowing any other exception. It is imperative the rules are strictly adhered to. This means gelling hands immediately upon arrival, taking your pew straight away as directed by the steward including whether to sit by the wall or the aisle; not moving from your place at any point during the service; and leaving promptly afterwards.

To reserve a seat please contact Julie at administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or 07756 918847.

After booking a seat, if you find that you are unable to attend a service please inform one of the churchwardens so that it can be offered to another person.

Reserve List

Having had empty pews in previous weeks, we are looking to put together a reserve list of those people who are willing to be contacted at short notice to attend a service. If you would like to be included on this list then please let Julie know.

St Andy’s

If you would like to attend a service at St Andy’s please contact Julie as she will be taking bookings. Please contact administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or 07756 918847.

Children’s Service

Our next Children’s service will take place in church on Sunday 6^th June. If you would like to reserve a place, please contact Julie before Wednesday 2^nd June on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk

After this date there may still be places so, please contact Becky Crowe on 07875 552518 or rebecca.crowe@ourfaith.online

Baptism Verger

With the church now open for public worship we are seeing an increase in requests for baptisms and therefore have an urgent need to add some people to our Baptism Verger rota. Baptisms take place after the morning service on Sundays usually at 12 noon and last about an hour to hour and half. If you are interested, please let Julie or the Churchwardens know and training can be arranged. This role is important as you will be the welcoming face of St Andrew’s to people who may not have been to church before. A fixed rate is paid for each baptism.

Baptism Visitor

We are also looking for a Baptism Visitor. This volunteer role involves contacting families to meet with them to obtain details for the baptism and assisting with baptism preparation. If you are interested, please contact Julie for a full job description.

Help Needed for an English Conversation Class

Are you a native English speaker? St Andy’s have started running a conversation class for refugees and asylum seekers in the Tile Hill area. We need volunteers to help run the conversation class on Wednesdays, 11.15am-12, currently meeting on Zoom. All you need is to be able to speak English and love God! If you are interested, please contact Sue Best (susanbest369@btinternet.com/07837488721).

Cleaning the Church

As we are opening the church again from Easter Day, our thoughts are turning back to cleaning the building. Currently, we have a very small team who are on the rota to clean once a week. The team is Phil and Denise Davies, Diane Wilson, Becky Crowe and I who clean on a voluntary basis. Ideally, we would like to add some more volunteers to help us.

It normally takes a couple of hours to clean the church and side room (we are not cleaning upstairs currently) to make sure it is ready for a service on Sunday.

Cleaning of the building is important at the moment, not just to show visitors that the church is cared for, but also as part of the arrangements to allow us to open the church safely. Would you be able to help? If so, please email me at nicktooby@btinternet.com

Youth Work

We are looking to safer recruit volunteers for our Youth work. If you feel you could help with either the Drama Club, Rock Solid or the Youth Wellbeing course then please get in touch with Emma at standrewscovyouth@gmail.com 

Foodbank Donations

To donate to Central foodbank, Sue Barnes is coordinating this so please contact her to drop off food at her house. Contact Sue at susanbarnes1960@outlook.com

If you are unable to give food you can also donate online here: https://www.trusselltrust.org/rddonate-checkout/

Sunday Coffee Gathering

The access codes for the 11.15am Sunday gathering are available from the churchwardens.

Please Pray

Please pray for Rita Muir who has had a fall and is badly bruised; and for John Shelton whose health is improving but has a slow recovery ahead.

Please also pray for St Andrew’s as work continues to take place in the process of finding a new vicar.

Do send Julie your favourite bible verses or hymn verses, names for prayer and any birthdays, celebrations or articles for inclusion in the bulletin. Julie can be contacted on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk

Church Contacts

Churchwardens: Nick Tooby – 07951 925772 or Becky Crowe – 07875 552518

Parish Administrator: Julie Crow – 07756 918847

Church Bulletin

Well, it’s official we can now hug those close to us. In the announcement this week the Government has informed us that people can hug those close to them, but they should remain cautious, as this remains a way of transmitting COVID. Who would have thought 12 – 18 months ago the main topic of conversation this week would be hugging and cuddling someone. We all like a hug, and even those who were not keen before the pandemic, are now desperate to have a little cuddle with someone in their family.

I always remember when my lads were young, there was something special when they ran towards you, with arms open wide, wanting a hug. Then there were the times when they would jump on your lap, ready to listen to a story and we’d “cuddle in”.

Much of the time, I’m focused on being independent, but as the announcement was made, it made me realise how important a hug is to me. Even though both lads are now grown men, I can’t wait to have a hug the next time I see them. Psalm 116 vs 7 suggests that we might need to regularly remind ourselves of God’s good love, and then “cuddle in” to his waiting arms: “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you” and indeed, he has. Had you thought about including God on your list for a hug next week?

Nick Tooby
Churchwarden

APCM

On Monday 17th May 2021 at 7.30pm we will be holding our Annual Parochial Church Meeting. The meeting will be via zoom and the details and link are available from the parish administrator or the churchwardens.

The meeting will be chaired by the Area Dean. It is an opportunity to find out how our church has been active in its ministry, through its people, over the past twelve months.

The papers for the meeting, and the agenda, can be found on our website from Saturday morning at https://standrewseg.co.uk/. We will also be giving an update on the progress being made to find a new vicar.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Monday.

Nick Tooby – Churchwarden

Deanery Synod Representatives

We are looking to find people who are willing to stand for election at the AGM to represent the PCC as Deanery Synod reps. Below is an outline of what this entails. If you are interested in the role please could you let one of our churchwardens or the parish administrator know. Contact details are at the end of this bulletin.

Appeal for Deanery Synod Reps 2021

Recruitment of Volunteers at St Andrew’s and St Andy’s

We would like to highlight that all church volunteers must be safely recruited and some volunteers are also required to undergo a DBS check and complete safeguarding modules. This isn’t St Andrew’s being picky, it is a legal requirement stipulated by the diocese for every volunteer role.

As lockdown eases, we must now be vigilant and ensure all the necessary checks are completed.

If you are a church volunteer and have not yet been safely recruited, please contact Julie (Parish Administrator) at administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or Linda Chylinski (Parish Safeguarding Officer) at onelindilou@gmail.com to arrange for this to be completed.

All members of the PCC must ensure that they complete Parish Safeguarding module C0 (Basic safeguarding Awareness) which is available online.

Church Opening

The church is now open for live worship every Sunday and for private prayer on Thursdays.

Due to limited seating, places may be reserved by contacting Julie on a first come, first served basis. As before, we urge you if you have an invitation not to forget and if you are suddenly unable to attend to let us know at the earliest possible moment. Face masks continue to be required. If you see anyone not wearing a face mask, it is because they have medical exemption. We are not allowing any other exception. It is imperative the rules are strictly adhered to. This means gelling hands immediately upon arrival, taking your pew straight away as directed by the steward including whether to sit by the wall or the aisle; not moving from your place at any point during the service; and leaving promptly afterwards.

To reserve a seat please contact Julie at administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or 07756 918847.

After booking a seat, if you find that you are unable to attend a service please inform one of the churchwardens so that it can be offered to another person.

Reserve List

Having had empty pews in previous weeks, we are looking to put together a reserve list of those people who are willing to be contacted at short notice to attend a service. If you would like to be included on this list then please let Julie know.

St Andy’s

Did you know St Andy’s has a website!? Recently relaunched, revamped and made to look spiffing, you can find it here: standyschurch.com. Meant as a place to provide some info about the church, what we do and where to find us, it makes an excellent way to show people who we are.

If you would like to attend a service at St Andy’s please contact Julie as she will be taking bookings. Please contact administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or 07756 918847.

Children’s Service

Our next Children’s service will take place in church on Sunday 6^th June. If you would like to reserve a place, please contact Julie before Wednesday 2^nd June on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk

After this date there may still be places so please contact Becky Crowe on 07875 552518 or rebecca.crowe@ourfaith.online

Thy Kingdom Come

Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. It started in 2016 and Christians from 172 countries have taken part. In the days between Ascension Day on 13th May and Pentecost Sunday on 23rd May we invite you to join this call to prayer, where it is hoped that people will:

• Deepen their own relationship with Jesus Christ
• Pray for 5 friends or family to come to faith in Jesus
• Pray for the empowerment of the Spirit that we would be effective in our witness

There is a short video on the St. Andrew’s website giving more information, or you can access the website www.thykingdomcome.global to assist you; but you don’t need to use them, you can just pray. Why not be part of this commitment to prayer in these days up to Pentecost Sunday?

Baptism Verger

With the church now open for public worship we are seeing an increase in requests for baptisms and therefore have an urgent need to add some people to our Baptism Verger rota. Baptisms take place after the morning service on Sundays usually at 12 noon and last about an hour to hour and half. If you are interested, please let Julie or the Churchwardens know and training can be arranged. This role is important as you will be the welcoming face of St Andrew’s to people who may not have been to church before. A fixed rate is paid for each baptism.

Baptism Visitor

We are also looking for a Baptism Visitor. This volunteer role involves contacting families to meet with them to obtain details for the baptism and assisting with baptism preparation. If you are interested, please contact Julie for a full job description.

Christian Aid Week 10-16th May

As we were unable to collect house-to-house in 2020 this year is a very important year for Christian Aid. Like so many other charities they desperately need your support. However, this year the collection will be very different.

Firstly, I was due the first of 2 knee replacements which did not take place and now I can only walk with a stick which will limit the number of houses I am able to collect from.

Christian Aid has produced some envelopes which will be delivered locally. I will include my details and if you wish to donate you can just return the envelope through my door. Also, I have set up an e-envelope should you wish to donate online. (link below)

At a time when we are all being asked to donate for one thing or another, I understand you cannot give to all. Do please try and support us if you can.

Kindest regards
Pat Sullivan
8 Osbaston Close
e-envelope:
https://envelope.christianaid.org.uk/envelope/st-andrews-church?channel=status

Dogs in Churchyard

Due to an increasing amount of dog fouling in the churchyard we must ask dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and ensure that any poop is bagged and binned.

Cleaning the Church

As we are opening the church again from Easter Day, our thoughts are turning back to cleaning the building. Currently, we have a very small team who are on the rota to clean once a week. The team is Phil and Denise Davies, Diane Wilson, Becky Crowe and I who clean on a voluntary basis. Ideally, we would like to add some more volunteers to help us.

It normally takes a couple of hours to clean the church and side room (we are not cleaning upstairs currently) to make sure it is ready for a service on Sunday.

Cleaning of the building is important at the moment, not just to show visitors that the church is cared for, but also as part of the arrangements to allow us to open the church safely. Would you be able to help? If so, please email me at nicktooby@btinternet.com

Thank you, Nick Tooby

Youth Work

We are looking to safer recruit volunteers for our Youth work. If you feel you could help with either the Drama Club, Rock Solid or the Youth Wellbeing course then please get in touch with Emma at standrewscovyouth@gmail.com 

Foodbank Donations

To donate to Central foodbank, Sue Barnes is coordinating this so please contact her to drop off food at her house. Contact Sue at susanbarnes1960@outlook.com

If you are unable to give food you can also donate online here: https://www.trusselltrust.org/rddonate-checkout/

Sunday Coffee Gathering

The access codes for the 11.15am Sunday gathering are available from the churchwardens.

Pilates

A new daytime Pilates class is commencing at Eastern Green Village Hall on 17th May at 1.15pm. Spaces are still available so if you are interested, please contact Julie on 07792 965370 or orchardfeelgood.info@gmail.com

Congratulations

Many congratulations to Rebecca Martin who celebrates her 50^th birthday this Sunday 16^th May.

Please Pray

Please pray for Rita Muir who has had a fall and is badly bruised: and for John Shelton whose health is improving but has a slow recovery ahead.

Please also pray for St Andrew’s as work continues to take place in the process of finding a new vicar.

Do send Julie your favourite bible verses or hymn verses, names for prayer and any birthdays, celebrations or articles for inclusion in the bulletin. Julie can be contacted on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk

 Church Contacts

Parish Administrator: Julie Crow – 07756 918847

Churchwardens: Nick Tooby – 07951 925772 or Becky Crowe – 07875 552518

Church Bulletin

Why is it that as you get older you seem to have less patience! I have found myself in that space over this last week. I say the last week, but I can hear Tracy, my wife, and all those who know me crying out “you, have patience, never!”. Apparently, it’s not something I’ve ever been blessed with. This week has been one of those weeks where I seem to be constantly chasing companies and organisations to get something done. At every turn you think you’ve got it sorted, then something else changes and nothing gets done or resolved. It’s felt like I’ve been playing the arcade game “Whack a mole”. Where a plastic mole pops up from holes and the player hits them wildly with a mallet, only to find another one pops up somewhere else.

I felt myself expressing my frustration to Tracy. “this is ridiculous I haven’t got time for this rubbish, why can’t people just do what they promise” To which she replied” well is your life better or worse now than when you were at work?” A good question, I thought.

At times we get caught up in the here and now, life comes at us like that at times, and we struggle to take a step back. We get frustrated that things haven’t happened in our timescales or in the way we want them to. Perhaps it’s felt like you have been waiting forever for something to change – for a new direction in a career, for a relationship to be restored, for an opportunity to move away from a difficult situation. The Psalmist reminds us …..” I wait patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry” Psalm 40 vs1.

Nick Tooby
Churchwarden

Church Opening

The church is now open for live worship every Sunday and for private prayer on Thursdays.

Due to limited seating, places may be reserved by contacting Julie on a first come, first served basis. As before, we urge you if you have an invitation not to forget and if you are suddenly unable to attend to let us know at the earliest possible moment. Face masks continue to be required. If you see anyone not wearing a face mask, it is because they have medical exemption. We are not allowing any other exception. It is imperative the rules are strictly adhered to. This means gelling hands immediately upon arrival, taking your pew straight away as directed by the steward including whether to sit by the wall or the aisle; not moving from your place at any point during the service; and leaving promptly afterwards.

To reserve a seat please contact Julie at administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or 07756 918847.

After booking a seat, if you find that you are unable to attend a service, please inform one of the churchwardens so that it can be offered to another person.

Reserve List

Having had empty pews in previous weeks, we are looking to put together a reserve list of those people who are willing to be contacted at short notice to attend a service. If you would like to be included on this list then please let Julie know.

St Andy’s

Did you know St Andy’s has a website!? Recently relaunched, revamped and made to look spiffing, you can find it here: standyschurch.com. Meant as a place to provide some info about the church, what we do and where to find us, it makes an excellent way to show people who we are. 

If you would like to attend a service at St Andy’s please contact Julie as she will be taking bookings. Please contact administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or 07756 918847 if you want to attend.

Sad News

It is with great sadness that I have to let you know that Tony Simons, who was Chair of Allesley Green Residents Association for some years and was involved in many community activities, sadly passed away on Friday 7th May. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time.

Baptism Verger                                                                       

With the church now open for public worship we are seeing an increase in requests for baptisms and therefore have an urgent need to add some people to our Baptism Verger rota. Baptisms take place after the morning service on Sundays usually at 12 noon and last about an hour to hour and half. If you are interested, please let Julie or the Churchwardens know and training can be arranged. This role is important as you will be the welcoming face of St Andrew’s to people who may not have been to church before. A fixed rate is paid for each baptism.

Baptism Visitor

We are also looking for a Baptism Visitor. This volunteer role involves contacting families to meet with them to obtain details for the baptism and assisting with baptism preparation. If you are interested, please contact Julie for a full job description.

Christian Aid Week 10-16th May

As we were unable to collect house-to-house in 2020 this year is a very important year for Christian Aid.  Like so many other charities they desperately need your support. However, this year the collection will be very different.

Firstly, I was due the first of 2 knee replacements which did not take place and now I can only walk with a stick which will limit the number of houses I am able to collect from.

Christian Aid has produced some envelopes which will be delivered locally. I will include my details and if you wish to donate you can just return the envelope through my door. Also, I have set up an e-envelope should you wish to donate online. (link below)

At a time when we are all being asked to donate for one thing or another, I understand you cannot give to all.  Do please try and support us if you can.

Kindest regards
Pat Sullivan
8 Osbaston Close
e-envelope:
https://envelope.christianaid.org.uk/envelope/st-andrews-church?channel=status

Dogs in Churchyard

Due to an increasing amount of dog fouling in the churchyard we must ask dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and ensure that any poop is bagged and binned.

Help Needed for an English Conversation Class

Are you a native English speaker? St Andy’s have started running a conversation class for refugees and asylum seekers in the Tile Hill area. We need volunteers to help run the conversation class on Wednesdays, 11.15am-12, currently meeting on Zoom. All you need is to be able to speak English and love God! If you are interested, please contact Sue Best (susanbest369@btinternet.com/07837488721).

Cleaning the Church

As we are opening the church again from Easter Day, our thoughts are turning back to cleaning the building. Currently, we have a very small team who are on the rota to clean once a week. The team is Phil and Denise Davies, Diane Wilson, Becky Crowe and I who clean on a voluntary basis. Ideally, we would like to add some more volunteers to help us.

It normally takes a couple of hours to clean the church and side room (we are not cleaning upstairs currently) to make sure it is ready for a service on Sunday.

Cleaning of the building is important at the moment, not just to show visitors that the church is cared for, but also as part of the arrangements to allow us to open the church safely. Would you be able to help? If so, please email me at nicktooby@btinternet.com

Thank you, Nick Tooby

APCM

The date of the church’s annual meeting will take place on Monday 17th May at 7.30pm via zoom. The access codes will be available later this week.

Building our Faith

Our zoom Bible study continues this Wednesday at 7.30pm. The theme is The Holy Spirit and all are welcome to join us.

The zoom details are available from Sue Masters on 07958 322026.

Youth Work

We are looking to safer recruit volunteers for our Youth work. If you feel you could help with either the Drama Club, Rock Solid or the Youth Wellbeing course then please get in touch with Emma at standrewscovyouth@gmail.com 

Congratulations

To June Clarke whose birthday is on Wednesday, 12^th May and Ann Dove whose birthday is on Thursday, 13^th May.

Also, many congratulations to Rebecca Martin who celebrates her 50^th birthday this Sunday 16^th May.

Please Pray

Please pray for Rita Muir who has had a fall and is badly bruised: and for John Shelton whose health is improving but has a slow recovery ahead.

Please also pray for St Andrew’s as work continues to take place in the process of finding a new vicar.

Do send Julie your favourite bible verses or hymn verses, names for prayer and any birthdays, celebrations or articles for inclusion in the bulletin. Julie can be contacted on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk

Church Contacts

Parish Administrator: Julie Crow – 07756 918847

Churchwardens: Nick Tooby – 07951 925772 or Becky Crowe – 07875 552518

Church Bulletin

As a friend and colleague used to say a long time ago, “Sometimes I sits and thinks; and sometimes I just sits.”!! During the last 14 months, there has been more opportunity perhaps to sit looking at the garden or walk in the park, and maybe appreciate the changing seasons and colours, the trees, blossom and flowers, the breezes and warm sunshine and soft refreshing rain; and, in the unusual quietness – at least in the earlier stages, to hear afresh the birdsong, admire the butterflies, birds, squirrels and even a fox or two. The pandemic, with all the restrictions, hardship, distress and loss that it has imposed on lives, has reminded us of the freedoms, blessings and people that we had maybe come to take too much for granted. At the same time, there has been an astonishing display of courage, care and self-sacrifice shown by the NHS, carers and other essential workers, a widespread appreciation of their efforts and a degree of neighbourliness, service, support and generosity by volunteers that, for those who remember them, was reminiscent of the war years. Now those restrictions and demonstrations of Christian love, supported by an amazingly successful vaccination programme, have seen the situation improve, to the extent that we can see light at the end of the tunnel and maybe an imminent return to “normal” – or some sort of “new normal”. Whatever that may be, I rather hope that lessons will have been learned from the experience; that we appreciate each other and God’s gifts better; and that we take time to sit quietly and give thanks to God for His many blessings to us. As we look around us at parts of our world and those closer to home who are still struggling, there is great comfort, power and hope in the words of the Lord’s Prayer, that Jesus himself taught us, including “Your kingdom come, Lord; your will be done”; and, as we repeat the familiar words to their conclusion, we can with praise and thankfulness affirm: “For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, Lord, now and for ever. Amen.”

“He says, ‘Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.’ ” (Psalm 46: 10)

Jeremy Thomas

Message from Phil, Anne and Ella

Hello everyone, by the time you read this, Anne, Ella and I will have moved down to Farnborough and will probably be living amongst many moving boxes!

I just wanted to let you know how thankful we are for your kind leaving gifts, and also the joint card with St Andy’s. We were really overwhelmed by the generosity of the gifts, and a little goodbye gift for Ella was such a lovely touch too.  

The rose plant, you’ll be pleased to hear, is still alive, we have already bought a book from Eden and the other money has already gone towards a dishwasher for the vicarage, which I’m sure you’ll agree will be a real blessing to have!

With lots of love from us and many thanks again,

Phil, Anne and Ella.

Church Opening

The church is now open for live worship every Sunday and for private prayer on Thursdays.

Due to limited seating, places may be reserved by contacting Julie on a first come, first served basis. As before, we urge you if you have an invitation not to forget and if you are suddenly unable to attend to let us know at the earliest possible moment. Face masks continue to be required. If you see anyone not wearing a face mask, it is because they have medical exemption. We are not allowing any other exception. It is imperative the rules are strictly adhered to. This means gelling hands immediately upon arrival, taking your pew straight away as directed by the steward including whether to sit by the wall or the aisle; not moving from your place at any point during the service; and leaving promptly afterwards.

To reserve a seat please contact Julie at administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or 07756 918847.

After booking a seat, if you find that you are unable to attend a service please inform one of the churchwardens so that it can be offered to another person.

Reserve List

Having had empty pews in previous weeks, we are looking to put together a reserve list of those people who are willing to be contacted at short notice to attend a service. If you would like to be included on this list then please let Julie know.

St Andy’s

Did you know St Andy’s has a website!? Recently relaunched, revamped and made to look spiffing, you can find it here: standyschurch.com. Meant as a place to provide some info about the church, what we do and where to find us, it makes an excellent way to show people who we are.

If you would like to attend a service at St Andy’s please contact Julie as she will be taking bookings. Please contact administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or 07756 918847 if you want to attend.

Thank You

Rita Muir would like to pass on her thanks to everyone for their prayers, thoughts and cards wishing her well after her fall. Rita is feeling a bit better but is still very bruised.

Baptism Verger

With the church now open for public worship we are seeing an increase in requests for baptisms and therefore have an urgent need to add some people to our Baptism Verger rota. Baptisms take place after the morning service on Sundays usually at 12 noon and last about an hour to hour and half. If you are interested, please let Julie or the Churchwardens know and training can be arranged. This role is important as you will be the welcoming face of St Andrew’s to people who may not have been to church before. A fixed rate is paid for each baptism.

Baptism Visitor

We are also looking for a Baptism Visitor. This volunteer role involves contacting families to meet with them to obtain details for the baptism and assisting with baptism preparation. If you are interested, please contact Julie for a full job description.

Christian Aid Week 10^th – 16^th May

As we were unable to collect house-to-house in 2020 this year is a very important year for Christian Aid. Like so many other charities they desperately need your support. However, this year the collection will be very different.

Firstly, I was due the first of 2 knee replacements which did not take place and now I can only walk with a stick which will limit the number of houses I am able to collect from.

Christian Aid has produced some envelopes which will be delivered locally. I will include my details and if you wish to donate you can just return the envelope through my door. Also, I have set up an e-envelope should you wish to donate online. (link below)

At a time when we are all being asked to donate for one thing or another, I understand you cannot give to all. Do please try and support us if you can.

Kindest regards
Pat Sullivan
8 Osbaston Close
e-envelope:
https://envelope.christianaid.org.uk/envelope/st-andrews-church?channel=status

Dogs in Churchyard

Due to an increasing amount of dog fouling in the churchyard we must ask dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and ensure that any poop is bagged and binned.

Help Needed for an English Conversation Class

Are you a native English speaker? St Andy’s have started running a conversation class for refugees and asylum seekers in the Tile Hill area. We need volunteers to help run the conversation class on Wednesdays, 11.15am-12, currently meeting on Zoom. All you need is to be able to speak English and love God! If you are interested, please contact Sue Best (susanbest369@btinternet.com/07837488721).

Cleaning the Church

As we are opening the church again from Easter Day, our thoughts are turning back to cleaning the building. Currently, we have a very small team who are on the rota to clean once a week. The team is Phil and Denise Davies, Diane Wilson, Becky Crowe and I who clean on a voluntary basis. Ideally, we would like to add some more volunteers to help us.

It normally takes a couple of hours to clean the church and side room (we are not cleaning upstairs currently) to make sure it is ready for a service on Sunday.

Cleaning of the building is important at the moment, not just to show visitors that the church is cared for, but also as part of the arrangements to allow us to open the church safely. Would you be able to help? If so, please email me at nicktooby@btinternet.com

Thank you, Nick Tooby

APCM

The date of the church’s annual meeting has been set for Monday 17th May at 7.30pm via zoom. The access codes to join the meeting will be available nearer the time.

The APCM will elect churchwardens and PCC members. If you are interested in standing, please let the one of the churchwardens know.

Youth Work

We are looking to safer recruit volunteers for our Youth work. If you feel you could help with either the Drama Club, Rock Solid or the Youth Wellbeing course then please get in touch with Emma at standrewscovyouth@gmail.com 

Book Club

Have you ever thought about joining a book club, been a member of one in the past or thought that’s not for me? Is now the time to think about being part of St. Andrew’s book club?

We set up the book club two years ago and although interrupted briefly by Covid have continued to meet over zoom. Some members have recently left the area and so we are relaunching and looking to encourage more people to join.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 8^th June at 7.30pm on zoom (We hope to resume in person meetings at a later date). The book we have chosen is The Shack by William P Young. This is a novel published in 2008 and is a story of how a grief-stricken man’s encounter with God changes his life forever. You may have read it before but we felt it was worth revisiting.

We would love more people to join with us to read and discuss the book. If you have any questions please contact Sue Masters on 07958 322026.

Foodbank Donations

To donate to Central foodbank, Sue Barnes is coordinating this so please contact her to drop off food at her house. Contact Sue at susanbarnes1960@outlook.com

If you are unable to give food you can also donate online here: https://www.trusselltrust.org/rddonate-checkout/

Sunday Coffee Gathering

The access codes for the 11.15am Sunday gathering are available from the churchwardens.

Please Pray

Please pray for Rita Muir who has had a fall and is badly bruised: and for John Shelton whose health is improving but has a slow recovery ahead.

Please also pray for St Andrew’s as work continues to take place in the process of finding a new vicar.

Do send Julie your favourite bible verses or hymn verses, names for prayer and any birthdays, celebrations or articles for inclusion in the bulletin. Julie can be contacted on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk

Church Contacts

Parish Administrator: Julie Crow – 07756 918847

Churchwardens: Nick Tooby – 07951 925772 or Becky Crowe – 07875 552518

Church Bulletin

To misquote Oscar Wilde: “To lose one clergyman may be deemed misfortune; to lose two looks like carelessness!” Following Greg’s departure in February, reports suggest that he and Fran are settling into a typically busy way of life in the Benefice of Pontesbury. Last time I heard, Greg was preparing to attend his first of five AGMs!! Our prayers are, of course, with them. Last week, I attended Phil’s final service at St Andy’s in St Oswald’s, before he takes up his new post with Anne as Assistant Rector at Cove in Farnborough. As with Greg’s farewell, a smaller gathering than might have been, in more normal circumstances, thanked Phil for his substantial contributions and support; I personally am immensely grateful for the support and generosity of them both. We prayed for Phil, Anne and little Ella in their new venture, which seems to be exactly what they were looking and praying for. I understand they are to be licensed in Cove at Pentecost – very special.   We also prayed for Penny Wakefield and the St Andy’s team in their caretaker role. St Andrew’s had said its farewells the previous week. And we are all so full of admiration for our churchwardens, Nick and Becky, and all the leadership team and technicians, for the way they are keeping the church going (and more!). We also hold them all in prayer, along with all involved in the process of bringing to us the new vicar that God wants to lead us forward as a church.   So, not “misfortune” or “carelessness”, but, we believe, part of God’s bigger plan for us all; and we pray and trust Him that He knows the person He wants to lead us, and indeed is already preparing the path for him or her and us.

There is a similar demand for faith and trust, as we are asked to cast our votes in the local elections tomorrow in the most unusual of circumstances. There appears to have been a lack of the usual doorstep canvassing and the multiple leaflets through our letter-boxes, and very little information available about the various candidates. More than ever, I feel, we need to hold fast to our faith in the Lord – to do our best, to pray with all our hearts “Your kingdom come, Lord; your will be done” – a kingdom where love, compassion, justice, truth, integrity, valuing every individual and affording equal opportunity to all reign – and then give thanks that we can leave it in God’s hands and trust Him. Praise the Lord.

“And we know that, to those that love God, all things work together for good” (Romans 8: 28)

Jeremy Thomas

Message from Phil, Anne and Ella

Hello everyone, by the time you read this, Anne, Ella and I will have moved down to Farnborough and will probably be living amongst many moving boxes!

I just wanted to let you know how thankful we are for your kind leaving gifts, and also the joint card with St Andy’s. We were really overwhelmed by the generosity of the gifts, and a little goodbye gift for Ella was such a lovely touch too.  

The rose plant, you’ll be pleased to hear, is still alive, we have already bought a book from Eden and the other money has already gone towards a dishwasher for the vicarage, which I’m sure you’ll agree will be a real blessing to have!

With lots of love from us and many thanks again,

Phil, Anne and Ella.

Church Opening

The church has now re-opened for live worship every Sunday and will also open for private prayer on Thursdays.

Due to limited seating, places may be reserved by contacting Julie on a first come, first served basis. As before, we urge you if you have an invitation not to forget and if you are suddenly unable to attend to let us know at the earliest possible moment. Face masks continue to be required. If you see anyone not wearing a face mask, it is because they have medical exemption. We are not allowing any other exception. It is imperative the rules are strictly adhered to. This means gelling hands immediately upon arrival, taking your pew straight away as directed by the steward including whether to sit by the wall or the aisle; not moving from your place at any point during the service; and leaving promptly afterwards.

To reserve a seat please contact Julie at administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or 07756 918847.

After booking a seat, if you find that you are unable to attend a service please inform one of the churchwardens so that it can be offered to another person.

Reserve List

Having had empty pews in previous weeks, we are looking to put together a reserve list of those people who are willing to be contacted at short notice to attend a service. If you would like to be included on this list then please let Julie know.

Attending St Andy’s Services

If you would like to attend a service at St Andy’s please contact Julie as she will be taking bookings. Please contact administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or 07756 918847 if you want to attend.

Baptism Verger

With the church now open for public worship we are seeing an increase in requests for baptisms and therefore have an urgent need to add some people to our Baptism Verger rota. Baptisms take place after the morning service on Sundays usually at 12 noon and last about an hour to hour and half. If you are interested, please let Julie or the Churchwardens know and training can be arranged. This role is important as you will be the welcoming face of St Andrew’s to people who may not have been to church before. A fixed rate is paid for each baptism.

Baptism Visitor

We are also looking for a Baptism Visitor. This volunteer role involves contacting families to meet with them to obtain details for the baptism and assisting with baptism preparation. If you are interested, please contact Julie for a full job description.

Christian Aid Week 10th-16th May

As we were unable to collect house-to-house in 2020 this year is a very important year for Christian Aid. Like so many other charities they desperately need your support. However, this year the collection will be very different.

Firstly, I was due the first of 2 knee replacements which did not take place and now I can only walk with a stick which will limit the number of houses I am able to collect from.

Christian Aid has produced some envelopes which will be delivered locally. I will include my details and if you wish to donate you can just return the envelope through my door. Also, I have set up an e-envelope should you wish to donate online. (link below)

At a time when we are all being asked to donate for one thing or another, I understand you cannot give to all. Do please try and support us if you can.

Kindest regards
Pat Sullivan
8 Osbaston Close
e-envelope:
https://envelope.christianaid.org.uk/envelope/st-andrews-church?channel=status

Dogs in Churchyard

Due to an increasing amount of dog fouling in the churchyard we must ask dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and ensure that any poop is bagged and binned.

Cleaning the Church

As we are opening the church again from Easter Day, our thoughts are turning back to cleaning the building. Currently, we have a very small team who are on the rota to clean once a week. The team is Phil and Denise Davies, Diane Wilson, Becky Crowe and I who clean on a voluntary basis. Ideally, we would like to add some more volunteers to help us.

It normally takes a couple of hours to clean the church and side room (we are not cleaning upstairs currently) to make sure it is ready for a service on Sunday.

Cleaning of the building is important at the moment, not just to show visitors that the church is cared for, but also as part of the arrangements to allow us to open the church safely. Would you be able to help? If so, please email me at nicktooby@btinternet.com

Thank you, Nick Tooby

APCM

The date of the church’s annual meeting has been set for Monday 17th May at 7.30pm via zoom. The access codes to join the meeting will be available nearer the time.

The APCM will elect churchwardens and PCC members. If you are interested in standing, please let the one of the churchwardens know.

Building our Faith

Our zoom Bible study continues tonight at 7.30pm. The theme is The Holy Spirit and all are welcome to join us.

The zoom details are available from Sue Masters on 07958 322026.

Youth Work

We are looking to safer recruit volunteers for our Youth work. If you feel you could help with either the Drama Club, Rock Solid or the Youth Wellbeing course then please get in touch with Emma at standrewscovyouth@gmail.com 

Please Pray

Please pray for Rita Muir who has had a fall and is badly bruised: and for John Shelton whose health is improving but has a slow recovery ahead.

Please also pray for St Andrew’s as work continues to take place in the process of finding a new vicar.

Do send Julie your favourite bible verses or hymn verses, names for prayer and any birthdays, celebrations or articles for inclusion in the bulletin. Julie can be contacted on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk

Church Contacts

Parish Administrator: Julie Crow – 07756 918847

Churchwardens: Nick Tooby – 07951 925772 or Becky Crowe – 07875 552518