Notices for 10th December 2023

Friday 8^th December!
The Brass Band of Central England are at St Andrew’s for a festive Christmas Concert to raise money from the church. Tickets £10, doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Do come along to raise some money for church and get into the festive spirit.  

Tea with Santa
Tickets available for Tea with Santa, Saturday 16^th December, 3pm at the Village Hall. Join us for party games, afternoon tea and the chance to meet Santa, speak to jo for more information or email revjoannajoyce@outlook.com 

Chocolate Raffle
We are hoping to do a chocolate raffle at the tea with Santa next Saturday. If you are able to donate any chocolate towards this please bring it along Sunday or Wednesday, or drop it at the vicarage.

Accommodation Search
Greg Smith has a curate who will be doing a placement at Bablake School in January for 3-4 weeks. He is looking for accommodation. If you can help for some or all of that time please speak to Jo. 

Tots Time
Our new group for babies, toddlers and their careers is meeting this Thursday 8.45am till 10.15am. Pop in for a cup of tea a chat, play, and songs. We are a friendly relaxed group, and you are welcome to come for the whole session or just pop in. We hope to see you there!  

Carol Service
The first of our Christmas services is our Carol service on Sunday 17^th December at 4pm. Join us for a traditional service of lessons and Carols.

Advent Group 2023
The Christmas lights have been switched on in the city and at St. Andrew’s we have begun our preparations for Christmas.  This includes an Advent group and all are welcome to join us. The Advent group will be on Wednesday mornings from 11.15 to 12.30 in Church starting on Wednesday 29th November.   Among your preparation for Christmas can you make space to meet with others to look at the Bible and think afresh about the meaning of Advent and Christmas. If you would like to come or want to know more, please speak with me or call me on 07958 322026. Sue Masters. 

Jigsaws & Reading Books
There is a selection of jigsaws and books at the back of church, suggested donation £1 each. There are also other items at the back of church which are individually priced. Please do take a look. These will only be available for a few more days. Donations may be placed in the wall box at the back of church or with the vicar or one of the churchwardens.

Volunteering and Safeguarding
All church volunteers, whether paid or unpaid, will need to be safely recruited and possibly also require a basic/enhanced DBS check. If you have any questions about safeguarding and volunteering, please speak to Julia McNaney on 07872 614688 or Rev Jo.

Donations
Should you wish to give online to support the work of the church, the link below or the QR code will take you directly to the page. It is a secure way of supporting the churches ministry. Thank you for your ongoing support. Nick Tooby.

https://givealittle.co/campaigns/eef64318-0a22-4db7-8d81-0ab3ccddf15d

 Readings this week

The Second Sunday of Advent

Collect
Almighty God, purify our hearts and minds, that when your Son Jesus Christ comes again as judge and saviour we may be ready to receive him, who is our Lord and our God.  

Post Communion
Father in heaven, who sent your Son to redeem the world and will send him again to be our judge: give us grace so to imitate him in the humility and purity of his first coming that, when he comes again, we may be ready to greet him with joyful love and firm faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

First Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-15a
⁸ But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. ⁹ The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. ¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed. ¹¹ Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, ¹² waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? ¹³ But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. Final Exhortation and Doxology ¹⁴ Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; ¹⁵ and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given to him.
NRSVA (New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised)

Gospel Reading: Mark 1: 1-8
The Proclamation of John the Baptist 1 The beginning of the good news^[a] of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. ² As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,     who will prepare your way; ³ the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:     “Prepare the way of the Lord,     make his paths straight”’, ⁴ John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ⁵ And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. ⁶ Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷ He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. ⁸ I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’
NRSVA (New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised)

Welcome to St Andrew’s Pews News!
This week marks the start of Advent, a time to reflect and pray about our Christian journey as we prepare afresh to recall the Christmas story. There is lots going on in church over the next month, from concerts and services to family events and fun. We are reliant on you, our readers, to share the word about all the great things happening, there are lots of leaflets and fliers at the back of church and of course our regular emails. Why not invite your friends and try something new?

Notices
This Sunday at Worship 4 Everyone we will be collecting new toys for children in Coventry this Christmas. If you are able to donate anything please bring it along to one of our services. Please don’t leave toys containing food in church. Thank you so much for all your donations.

A Festive Christmas Brass Band Concert
Friday 8^th December at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door, subject to availability. Tickets are now available from Julia McNaney on 07872 614688 and Julie Crow on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk. There will be refreshments, cakes and mince pies available on the evening, please let me know if you are bale to help. Thanks Jo.

Tea with Santa
Tea with Santa is running this year on the 16^th December at 3pm in the village hall. Tickets are now available please book with Jo Joyce and do invite anyone you know. We also need help with set up, can you make a parcel for pass the parcel? Could you make sandwiches or cakes or help set up the room? Please sign up at the back of church letting us know how you can help so together we can bless our families and our community. Thank you!

Advent Group 2023
The Advent group will be on Wednesday mornings from 11.15 to 12.30 in Church starting on Wednesday 29th November. Among your preparation for Christmas can you make space to meet with others to look at the Bible and think afresh about the meaning of Advent and Christmas. If you would like to come or want to know more, please speak with me or call me on 07958 322026. Sue Masters.

Tots Time!
Our new group for babies, toddlers and their carers, will meet again on 7th and 14th December, at 8.35am to coincide with school drop off but you are welcome to pop in anytime. Please do share with anyone you think might be interested, and take a flier from the back of church. Speak to Jo for more information.

Hymnathon
Thank you to Di Fellowes for her hymnathon and to everyone who made our St Andrew’s Day celebration last weekend so special. It not too late to send in your sponsorship money, either put it in an envelope in the collection or you can give via Just Giving here… . www.justgiving.com/page/diane-fellowes-1697355509810

Donations
Should you wish to give online to support the work of the church, the link below or the QR code will take you directly to the page. It is a secure way of supporting the churches ministry. Thank you for your ongoing support. Nick Tooby. https://givealittle.co/campaigns/eef64318-0a22-4db7-8d81-0ab3ccddf15d

Please send notices for next week to Julie Crow by Thursday morning. Email administrator@standrews-eg.org.ukThe First Sunday of Advent

Collect
Almighty God,
as your kingdom dawns,
turn us from the darkness of sin to the
light of holiness,
that we may be ready to meet you
in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Post Communion
O Lord our God,
make us watchful and keep us faithful
as we await the coming of your Son our Lord;
that, when he shall appear,
he may not find us sleeping in sin
but active in his service
and joyful in his praise;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

First Reading: Isaiah 64:1-9
64 Why don’t you tear the sky open and come down? The mountains would see you and shake with fear. ² They would tremble like water boiling over a hot fire. Come and reveal your power to your enemies, and make the nations tremble at your presence! ³ There was a time when you came and did terrifying things that we did not expect; the mountains saw you and shook with fear. ⁴ No one has ever seen or heard of a God like you, who does such deeds for those who put their hope in him. ⁵ You welcome those who find joy in doing what is right, those who remember how you want them to live. You were angry with us, but we went on sinning; in spite of your great anger we have continued to do wrong since ancient times. ⁶ All of us have been sinful; even our best actions are filthy through and through. Because of our sins we are like leaves that wither and are blown away by the wind. ⁷ No one turns to you in prayer; no one goes to you for help. You have hidden yourself from us and have abandoned us because of our sins.
⁸ But you are our father, Lord. We are like clay, and you are like the potter. You created us, ⁹ so do not be too angry with us or hold our sins against us forever. We are your people; be merciful to us.
Good News Translation

Gospel Reading: Mark 13:24 to end
²⁴ “In the days after that time of trouble the sun will grow dark, the moon will no longer shine, ²⁵ the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers in space will be driven from their courses. ²⁶ Then the Son of Man will appear, coming in the clouds with great power and glory. ²⁷ He will send the angels out to the four corners of the earth to gather God’s chosen people from one end of the world to the other.
²⁸ “Let the fig tree teach you a lesson. When its branches become green and tender and it starts putting out leaves, you know that summer is near. ²⁹ In the same way, when you see these things happening, you will know that the time is near, ready to begin. ³⁰ Remember that all these things will happen before the people now living have all died. ³¹ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
³² “No one knows, however, when that day or hour will come—neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son; only the Father knows. ³³ Be on watch, be alert, for you do not know when the time will come. ³⁴ It will be like a man who goes away from home on a trip and leaves his servants in charge, after giving to each one his own work to do and after telling the doorkeeper to keep watch. ³⁵ Watch, then, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming—it might be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or at sunrise. ³⁶ If he comes suddenly, he must not find you asleep. ³⁷ What I say to you, then, I say to all: Watch!”
Good News Translation

Notices for 19th November 2023

Prayer Ministry
The Prayer Ministry Team will be giving healing Ministry a particular focus on the 3rd Sunday of each month. It will be a time when members of the team will meet immediately before the service to pray for the service, the church family and the parish. Should anyone wish for prayer for themselves or on behalf of another, please feel free to join us either before or immediately after the service. This coming Sunday is the 3rd Sunday of the month and members of the Prayer Ministry Team will be available.

St Andrew’s Day Celebration and Hymn-a-thon
On the 26th November Di will be raising funds for a new piano with her Hymn-a-thon, for details of how to sponsor her please see the separate notice. We will also be celebrating St Andrew’s day which falls later that week. As part of the hymn-a-thon you will be able to request your favourite songs and have a sing-a-long. I would love it if we could compile on the day a list of your favourite songs and maybe a St Andrew’s top 10, so come at the ready with your favourite hymns and songs! We will also hold a bring and share lunch, and there will be teas and cakes on sale for those who come along later just to listen. The day will be a chance to celebrate all we love about St Andrew’s and to thank our volunteers. Please bring along some food to share and let us know if you can make some cakes to sell. If you are able to stay for an hour and help welcome and serve our guests, I would love to know. Please see the sign-up sheets at the back of church, or chat to me, thanks Jo.

Tea with Santa
Are you free on Saturday 16th November or in the week before? We will be putting on Tea with Santa in the village hall, but would love some help. Are you able to make cakes or sandwiches, or wrap presents? Do you love party games? We need a team of people to bring the afternoon together. Please speak to Jo if you can help.

Diane Fellowes Sponsored Hymn-a-thon
I will be participating in the Hymn-a-thon event on November 26th, to raise funds for St Andrew’s Church Eastern Green. As a member of this community, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that this church has had on our community. We are raising money to purchase a new electronic piano to diversify our worship. That’s why I am taking on this personal challenge to help raise £1,500 for St Andrew’s Church Eastern Green. See https://standrewseg.co.uk/. Every donation counts and will go directly towards supporting the church’s mission of providing a welcoming space for worship.
I am grateful for any support you can provide towards reaching my fundraising goal. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So, it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity. www.justgiving.com/page/diane-fellowes-1697355509810

Advent Group 2023
The Christmas lights have been switched on in the city and at St. Andrew’s we have begun our preparations for Christmas.  This includes an Advent group and all are welcome to join us. The Advent group will be on Wednesday mornings from 11.15 to 12.30 in Church starting on Wednesday 29th November.
 
Among your preparation for Christmas can you make space to meet with others to look at the Bible and think afresh about the meaning of Advent and Christmas. If you would like to come or want to know more, please speak with me or call me on 07958 322026. Sue Masters. 

A Festive Christmas Brass Band Concert
Due to its popularity in 2022, on Friday 8th December at 7.30pm St Andrew’s Church is hosting, for the second year running, a selection of Christmas music performed by members of the Brass Band of Central England. Tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door, subject to availability. Tickets are now available from Julia McNaney on 07872 614688 and Julie Crow on 07756 918847. There will be refreshments, cakes and mince pies available on the evening. 

Tots Time!
Our new group for babies, toddlers and their carers, will meet again on 7th and 14th December, at 8.35am to coincide with school drop off but you are welcome to pop in anytime. Please do share with anyone you think might be interested, and take a flier from the back of church.

The Nightingales Christmas Carol Concert
In memory of Pat Trickett, please join The Nightingales in partnership with Warwickshire Arts in church on Saturday 2nd December from 2-4pm. Tickets cost £5 which includes a drink and a mince pie. All profits going to Myton Hospice. For tickets contact Hayley on 07531 372931 / hayleytrickett@hotmail.com or Julie Crow on 07756 918847 / administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk

Jigsaws & Reading Books
There is a selection of jigsaws and books at the back of church, suggested donation £1 each. There are also other items at the back of church which are individually priced. Please do take a look. Donations may be placed in the wall box at the back of church or with the vicar or one of the churchwardens.

Volunteering and Safeguarding
All church volunteers, whether paid or unpaid, will need to be safely recruited and possibly also require a basic/enhanced DBS check. If you have any questions about safeguarding and volunteering, please speak to Julia McNaney on 07872 614688 or Rev Jo.

Donations
Should you wish to give online to support the work of the church, the link below or the QR code will take you directly to the page. It is a secure way of supporting the churches ministry. Thank you for your ongoing support. Nick Tooby.

https://givealittle.co/campaigns/eef64318-0a22-4db7-8d81-0ab3ccddf15d

Readings for 19th November 2023

The Second Sunday before Advent

Collect
Heavenly Lord,
you long for the world’s salvation:
stir us from apathy,
restrain us from excess
and revive in us new hope
that all creation will one day be healed
in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Post Communion
Gracious Lord,
in this holy sacrament
you give substance to our hope:
bring us at the last
to that fullness of life for which we long;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. 

First Reading: Psalm 90:1-8
God’s Eternity and Human Frailty
A Prayer of Moses, the man of God.
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling-place in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You turn us back to dust, and say, ‘Turn back, you mortals.’
4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.
5 You sweep them away; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning;
6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.
7 For we are consumed by your anger; by your wrath we are overwhelmed.
8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
NRSVA (New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised)

Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:14-30
The Parable of the Talents
14 ‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15 to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17 In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18 But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.” 21 His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” 22 And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.

” 23 His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” 24 Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” 26 But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29 For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30 As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

NRSVA (New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised)

Notices for 5^th November 2023

Worship 4 Everyone Service
PLEASE NOTE – I’m afraid due to Nick being sick we have had to cancel the 10am service this Sunday, as we have not been able to find someone to take it at short notice. We apologise for the cancellation, please let anyone who was likely to attend know. The 8am Holy Communion service WILL take place as normal.

Fish and Chip Quiz Night
Fish and Chip Quiz Night on Friday 17^th November at 6.30pm, doors open at 6pm, at Masseys Club. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £6.50 for children under 16. Tickets available from Julia McNaney on 07872 614688 or Julie Crow on 07756 918847.

Diane Fellowes Sponsored Hymn-a-thon
I will be participating in the Hymn-a-thon event on November 26th, to raise funds for St Andrew’s Church Eastern Green. As a member of this community, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that this church has had on our community. We are raising money to purchase a new electronic piano to diversify our worship. That’s why I am taking on this personal challenge to help raise £1,500 for St Andrew’s Church Eastern Green. See https://standrewseg.co.uk/. Every donation counts and will go directly towards supporting the church’s mission of providing a welcoming space for worship.
I am grateful for any support you can provide towards reaching my fundraising goal. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So, it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity. www.justgiving.com/page/diane-fellowes-1697355509810

Pastoral Support
If you need pastoral support, prayer, home communion or know of someone in hospital do let Julie our administrator know. You can contact her on administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or call 07756 918847. She is going to coordinate requests for assistance and information for all our different pastoral ministries to enable us to better give our support, and ensure good communication between different groups. You can also contact the vicar on revjoannajoyce@outlook.com or call 07588 576351. In an emergency please do contact Rev Jo, or the wardens.

The Nightingales Christmas Carol Concert
In memory of Pat Trickett, please join The Nightingales in partnership with Warwickshire Arts in church on Saturday 2nd December from 2-4pm. Tickets cost £5 which includes a drink and a mince pie. All profits going to Myton Hospice. For tickets contact Hayley on 07531 372931 / hayleytrickett@hotmail.com or Julie Crow on 07756 918847 / administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk

A Festive Christmas Brass Band Concert
Due to its popularity in 2022, on Friday 8^th December at 7.30pm St Andrew’s Church is hosting, for the second year running, a selection of Christmas music performed by members of the Brass Band of Central England. Tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door, subject to availability. Tickets are now available from Julia McNaney on 07872 614688 and Julie Crow on 07756 918847. There will be refreshments, cakes and mince pies available on the evening.

Cleaning the Church
I’m looking for a person/ couple of people who can join the cleaning rota. You would need to clean once every 4/5 weeks and it takes about an hour. It involves hoovering polishing and cleaning the side room and toilets. It’s a volunteer role. Please speak to Nick if you are interested or require more information. Thank you.

Tots Time!
We are starting a new group for babies, toddlers and their carers, meeting on 16th November and 7th and 14th December, there will be time for tea and coffee, play, crafts, stories, songs and fun. The doors will open at 8.35am to coincide with school drop off but you are welcome to pop in anytime. Please do share with anyone you think might be interested, and take a flier from the back of church.

Mission Partners Our latest newsletter from Dan & Phillipa Munday, our Mission Partners, is on the table at the back of church and also available on the website: https://standrewseg.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Update-Nov-2023.pdf

Jigsaws & Reading Books
There is a new selection of jigsaws and reading books at the back of church, suggested donation £1 each. There are also other items at the back of church which are individually priced. Please do take a look. Donations may be placed in the wall box at the back of church or with the vicar or one of the churchwardens.

Volunteering and Safeguarding
All church volunteers, whether paid or unpaid, will need to be safely recruited and possibly also require a basic/enhanced DBS check. If you have any questions about safeguarding and volunteering, please speak to Julia McNaney on 07872 614688 or Rev Jo.

Donations
Should you wish to give online to support the work of the church, the link below or the QR code will take you directly to the page. It is a secure way of supporting the churches ministry. Thank you for your ongoing support. Nick Tooby.

https://givealittle.co/campaigns/eef64318-0a22-4db7-8d81-0ab3ccddf15d

Winter Warmer at Asda
Asda has announced a range of new ‘winter warmer’ initiatives to support customers and community groups struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. The supermarket is offering those aged 60 and over the chance to enjoy soup, a roll and unlimited tea and coffees for just £1 in any of its 205 cafes all day and every day throughout November and December. The new initiative will run alongside the current ‘Kids eat for £1’ offer which continues to be hugely popular.

Readings for 5th November 2023

All Saints’ Day

Collect
God of holiness,
your glory is proclaimed in every age:
as we rejoice in the faith of your saints,
inspire us to follow their example
with boldness and joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Post Communion
God, the source of all holiness and giver of all good things:
may we who have shared at this table
as strangers and pilgrims here on earth
be welcomed with all your saints
to the heavenly feast on the day of your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

First Reading: 1 John 3:1-3 

Children of God

3 See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God’s children—and so, in fact, we are. This is why the world does not know us: it has not known God. ² My dear friends, we are now God’s children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he really is. ³ Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, just as Christ is pure.

Good News Translation

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12 

The Sermon on the Mount

5 Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down. His disciples gathered around him, ² and he began to teach them:

True Happiness

³ “Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor;  the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
⁴ “Happy are those who mourn;  God will comfort them!
⁵ “Happy are those who are humble;  they will receive what God has promised!
⁶ “Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires;  God will satisfy them fully!
⁷ “Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them!
⁸ “Happy are the pure in heart;  they will see God!
⁹ “Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children!
¹⁰ “Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
¹¹ “Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. 
¹² Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted.

Good News Translation