Notices for 18^th February 2024

Prayer Ministry
Every week before a service the Prayer Ministry Team will pray for the church, the congregation and for that day’s service. On the third Sunday of each month members of the Prayer Team will be available to any member of the congregation who would like a prayer to cover a specific situation – either for themselves or a loved one when two members of the team will join with that person to pray with him or her after the service. The members of the team are Lynnette, Jeremy, Rita and Sara. Confidentiality is assured and permission will be sought to share with the Prayer Team who, will continue to pray on their behalf.

Sunday Teas and Coffees
We are looking to recruit more people to help with serving teas and coffees after the Sunday service. This is a great way to get to know others and help us build our church community, to find out more chat to one of the wardens or to Jo.

Wednesday Prayer Time
The Prayer Team will be holding a time of Prayer on the second Wednesday of each month with the next time for prayer being Wednesday 14^th February at 11 a.m. This time will be to hold in prayer the various conflicts between nations, those people affected by such conflicts, and those who are oppressed in any way together with those affected by natural disasters. We will also be holding in prayer the Church and its ministry, and members of our Church and Parish thinking of those people who are suffering in body, mind or spirit both known and unknown to us. It is hoped that members of our Church will join us for this much needed time of prayer.

Prayer Book
There is a book placed at the back of the church in memory of Lesley Lee, in which you are invited to enter the name of someone for whom you would like to be held in prayer. Please feel free to make an entry in the book knowing those named will be held in prayer by the Prayer Group.
Notices are continued on the enclosed sheet

Lent
The Coventry Diocese are offering a 5-week Lent series on Zoom:

Equip Hub Lent Series 2024

What motivates your relationship with God? What compels you to put your faith into action?

These are the questions we will be putting to ourselves and the senior clergy of Coventry Diocese over five Monday evening zoom encounters during Lent.

The Acting Bishop of Coventry, Archdeacons, and Dean of Coventry will share their passions for faith and ministry, from sharing their faith, to seeing God in the world around us. Each weekly session will start at 8.00pm and last for 45 minutes.

Date: 5 evening sessions during Lent, Time: 8pm-8:45pm

You will need to register online. If you have any questions please speak with Sue Masters.

Craft and Hobby Fair
Our next Craft and Hobby Fair will be on Saturday 24th February from 1.30pm – 4.30pm at Eastern Green Village Hall. We are looking for:

• donations of books and jigsaws, including children’s.
• anything suitable to be used as raffle prizes
• donations of sweets and chocolates for the tombola
• donations of cakes
• help on the day with serving the refreshments.

If you can help please speak to Rebecca Martin in church or contact Julie on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk. Thank you.

Tots Time
Tots time is our new Tots group for babies toddlers and their carers. The next few dates are: 22^nd Feb, 7^th and 21^st March. Pop in any time from 8.45am, finishing around 10.15am.

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

Please send notices for next week to Julie by Thursday, email administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or call 07756 918847

This week’s readings are:

The First Sunday of Lent

Collect
Heavenly Father,
your Son battled with the powers of darkness,
and grew closer to you in the desert:
help us to use these days to grow in wisdom and prayer
that we may witness to your saving love
in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Post Communion
Lord God,
you have renewed us with the living bread from heaven;
by it you nourish our faith,
increase our hope,
and strengthen our love:
teach us always to hunger for him who is the true and living bread,
and enable us to live by every word
that proceeds from out of your mouth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

First Reading: Genesis 9:8-17
⁸ Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, ⁹ ‘As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, ¹⁰ and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. ¹¹ I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.’ ¹² God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: ¹³ I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. ¹⁴ When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, ¹⁵ I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. ¹⁶ When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.’ ¹⁷ God said to Noah, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.’
NRSVA (New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised)

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:9-15
The Baptism of Jesus
⁹ In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰ And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. ¹¹ And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
The Temptation of Jesus
¹² And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. ¹³ He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry
¹⁴ Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God,¹⁵ and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’
NRSVA (New Revised Standard

Notices for 11th February 2024

Ash Wednesday
Wednesday 14th February is Ash Wednesday. We will have a service of communion with the imposition of ashes at 6pm. All are welcome. 

Sunday Teas and Coffees
We are looking to recruit more people to help with serving teas and coffees after the Sunday service. This is a great way to get to know others and help us build our church community, to find out more chat to one of the wardens or to Jo.

Wednesday Prayer Time
The Prayer Team will be holding a time of Prayer on the second Wednesday of each month with the next time for prayer being Wednesday 14^th February at 11 a.m. This time will be to hold in prayer the various conflicts between nations, those people affected by such conflicts, and those who are oppressed in any way together with those affected by natural disasters. We will also be holding in prayer the Church and its ministry, and members of our Church and Parish thinking of those people who are suffering in body, mind or spirit both known and unknown to us. It is hoped that members of our Church will join us for this much needed time of prayer.

Prayer Book
There is a book placed at the back of the church in memory of Lesley Lee, in which you are invited to enter the name of someone for whom you would like to be held in prayer. Please feel free to make an entry in the book knowing those named will be held in prayer by the Prayer Group.

Lent
The Coventry Diocese are offering a 5-week Lent series on Zoom:

Equip Hub Lent Series 2024

What motivates your relationship with God? What compels you to put your faith into action?

These are the questions we will be putting to ourselves and the senior clergy of Coventry Diocese over five Monday evening zoom encounters during Lent.

The Acting Bishop of Coventry, Archdeacons, and Dean of Coventry will share their passions for faith and ministry, from sharing their faith, to seeing God in the world around us. Each weekly session will start at 8.00pm and last for 45 minutes.

Date: 5 evening sessions during Lent, Time: 8pm-8:45pm

You will need to register online. If you have any questions please speak with Sue Masters.

Craft and Hobby Fair
Our next Craft and Hobby Fair will be on Saturday 24th February from 1.30pm – 4.30pm at Eastern Green Village Hall. We are looking for:

• donations of books and jigsaws, including children’s.
• anything suitable to be used as raffle prizes
• donations of sweets and chocolates for the tombola
• donations of cakes
• help on the day with serving the refreshments.

If you can help please speak to Rebecca Martin in church or contact Julie on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk. Thank you.

Tots Time
Tots time is our new Tots group for babies toddlers and their carers. The next few dates are: 22^nd Feb, 7^th and 21^st March. Pop in any time from 8.45am, finishing around 10.15am.

Flower Rota
The 2024 Flower Rota is at the back of church. I have made it a two-weekly rota to help with finances. If there is a specific date on which you would like to have flowers in the church (if that date is not already listed, just let me know or write the date and your name on the bottom of the rota). As last year, I can do the flowers for you, or you can source and arrange the flowers yourselves. Julia McNaney.

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

Please send notices for next week to Julie by Thursday, email administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or call 07756 918847

This week’s readings are:

The Sunday next before Lent

Collect
Almighty Father,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross:
give us grace to perceive his glory,
that we may be strengthened to suffer with him
and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

Post Communion
Holy God,
we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ:
may we who are partakers at his table
reflect his life in word and deed,
that all the world may know his power to change and save.
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.

First Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11
Spiritual Gifts
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. ² You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. ³ Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says ‘Let Jesus be cursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.

⁴ Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; ⁵ and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; ⁶ and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. ⁷ To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ⁸ To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.
NRSVA (New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised)

Gospel Reading: John 15: 1-17
Jesus the True Vine
‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. ² He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. ³ You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. ⁹ As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹ I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

¹² ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵ I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. ¹⁶ You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. ¹⁷ I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.
NRSVA (New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised)

Notices

Christingle
Join us this Sunday for our Christingle service at 10 am. It will be a chance to celebrate together and think about Jesus as light of the world. We will also have a collection for the Children’s Society. 

Monday Morning Prayer
There will be no morning prayer this Monday.

Wednesday Service
Our midweek communion will be a service of morning prayer. 

Ash Wednesday
Wednesday 14th February is Ash Wednesday. We will have a service of communion with the imposition of ashes at 6pm. All are welcome. 

Sunday Teas and Coffees
We are looking to recruit more people to help with serving teas and coffees after the Sunday service. This is a great way to get to know others and help us build our church community, to find out more chat to one of the wardens or to Jo.

Service of Prayer
The Prayer Team will be holding a time of Prayer on the second Wednesday of each month with the next time for prayer being Wednesday 14^th February at 11 a.m. This time will be to hold in prayer the various conflicts between nations, those people affected by such conflicts, and those who are oppressed in any way together with those affected by natural disasters. We will also be holding in prayer the Church and its ministry, and members of our Church and Parish thinking of those people who are suffering in body, mind or spirit both known and unknown to us. It is hoped that members of our Church will join us for this much needed time of prayer.

Prayer Book
There is a book placed at the back of the church in memory of Lesley Lee, in which you are invited to enter the name of someone for whom you would like to be held in prayer. Please feel free to make an entry in the book knowing those named will be held in prayer by the Prayer Group.

Tots Time
Tots time is our new Tots group for babies toddlers and their carers. The next few dates are: 8^th and 22^nd Feb, 7^th and 21^st March. Pop in any time from 8.45am, finishing around 10.15am.

Time to Pray 2024
We invite you to join us to pray together for our mission and witness for 2024. The first Saturday in the month will be a time to come together to pray and to listen to God as we think about what God is calling us to be and do as a church, within our parish and also beyond to the new estate. We will meet in church at 9.30am on 3^rd February and 2^nd March. There will be coffee and pastries available after the time of prayer. Sue Masters, susanmasters@skycom

Flower Rota
The 2024 Flower Rota is at the back of church. I have made it a two-weekly rota to help with finances. If there is a specific date on which you would like to have flowers in the church (if that date is not already listed, just let me know or write the date and your name on the bottom of the rota). As last year, I can do the flowers for you, or you can source and arrange the flowers yourselves. Julia McNaney.

Craft and Hobby Fair
Our next Craft and Hobby Fair will be on Saturday 24th February from 1.30pm – 4.30pm at Eastern Green Village Hall. We are looking for:

• donations of books and jigsaws, including children’s.
• anything suitable to be used as raffle prizes
• donations of sweets and chocolates for the tombola
• donations of cakes
• help on the day with serving the refreshments.

If you can help please speak to Rebecca Martin in church or contact Julie on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk. Thank you.

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

Please send notices for next week to Julie by Thursday, email administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or call 07756 918847

This week’s readings are:

The Second Sunday before Lent

Collect
Almighty God,
give us reverence for all creation
and respect for every person,
that we may mirror your likeness
in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Post Communion
God our creator,
by your gift
the tree of life was set at the heart of the earthly paradise,
and the bread of life at the heart of your Church:
may we who have been nourished at your table on earth
be transformed by the glory of the Saviour’s cross
and enjoy the delights of eternity;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

First Reading: Colossians 1:15-20
The Person and Work of Christ
¹⁵ Christ is the visible likeness of the invisible God. He is the first-born Son, superior to all created things. ¹⁶ For through him God created everything in heaven and on earth, the seen and the unseen things, including spiritual powers, lords, rulers, and authorities. God created the whole universe through him and for him. ¹⁷ Christ existed before all things, and in union with him all things have their proper place. ¹⁸ He is the head of his body, the church; he is the source of the body’s life. He is the first-born Son, who was raised from death, in order that he alone might have the first place in all things. ¹⁹ For it was by God’s own decision that the Son has in himself the full nature of God. ²⁰ Through the Son, then, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself. God made peace through his Son’s blood on the cross and so brought back to himself all things, both on earth and in heaven.
(Good News Translation)

Gospel Reading:John 1:1-14
The Word of Life
¹ In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² From the very beginning the Word was with God. ³ Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. ⁴ The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.
⁶ God sent his messenger, a man named John, ⁷ who came to tell people about the light, so that all should hear the message and believe. ⁸ He himself was not the light; he came to tell about the light. ⁹ This was the real light—the light that comes into the world and shines on all people.
¹⁰ The Word was in the world, and though God made the world through him, yet the world did not recognize him. ¹¹ He came to his own country, but his own people did not receive him. ¹² Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God’s children. ¹³ They did not become God’s children by natural means, that is, by being born as the children of a human father; God himself was their Father.
¹⁴ The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son.
(Good News Translation)

Prayers of Love and Faith
After a discussion at our last meeting, the PCC has decided to support the vicar and in accordance with our statement of welcome, offer blessings of same sex couples in St Andrew’s, following the new guidelines offered by the Church of England. The PCC is reflecting on options around whether to join schemes such as inclusive church, or honest church or whether to follow the Living in Love and Faith material as a church together. If anyone would like to discuss the use of Prayers of Love and Faith, or the other schemes being considered please speak to Rev Jo.  Our statement of welcome, last approved at the APCM as part of the Church Priorities document, is below:’ 

‘St Andrews Church –  Priorities 2022

Who are we: – St Andrews Church is a church that welcomes all comers whether this is your first time or thousandth time in church. You are welcome whatever your age, gender, marital status, disability, race or sexuality. You are welcome whether you have a deep and mature faith in Christ; are uncertain and still seeking; or have no faith. We are the church for the people of Eastern Green and Allesley Green Parish.

Our values: Our values are centred on those of our Lord. We look to minister and serve in faith, love, compassion, and forgiveness. While living out our faith with humour and joy.’

Questions of faith?
Why not join us for Alpha?  Alpha is a short course where each week we discuss aspects of the Christian faith. It’s a chance to ask all the questions you never quite dared to, in a relaxed friendly environment. We start with a light supper, then there will be a short talk and a time of discussion. We will start on Monday 29th January at 6pm ’till 7.30pm and run for 8 weeks up until Easter. Why not come along and try a session to see if it’s for you? To find out more and speak to Rev Jo on 07588 576351.

Can you help?
We need people to sign up to support our Alpha course by providing food for each session. Ideally, we would like at least 2 people each week. You don’t need to be a good cook, you are welcome to buy something and bring that. Food can be brought on a Sunday for the Monday if that’s helpful. You can also keep the receipts and claim back of needed. Please sign up on the sheet at the back of church. Please also be keeping the course and its participants in your prayers. Any questions chat to Jo. Thanks

Prayer Ministry
Every week before a service the Prayer Ministry Team will pray for the church, the congregation and for that day’s service. On the third Sunday of each month members of the Prayer Team will be available to any member of the congregation who would like a prayer to cover a specific situation – either for themselves or a loved one when two members of the team will join with that person to pray with him or her after the service. The members of the team are Lynnette, Jeremy, Rita and Sara. Confidentiality is assured and permission will be sought to share with the Prayer Team who, will continue to pray on their behalf.

Prayer Book
There is a book placed at the back of the church in memory of Lesley Lee, in which you are invited to enter the name of someone for whom you would like to be held in prayer. Please feel free to make an entry in the book knowing those named will be held in prayer by the Prayer Group.

Sunday Teas and Coffees
We are looking to recruit more people to help with serving teas and coffees after the Sunday service. This is a great way to get to know others and help us build our church community, to find out more chat to one of the wardens or to Jo.

Tots Time
Tots time is our new Tots group for babies toddlers and their carers. The next few dates are: 8^th and 22^nd Feb, 7^th and 21^st March. Pop in any time from 8.45am, finishing around 10.15am.

Time to Pray 2024
As we start the new year, we invite you to join us to pray together for our mission and witness for 2024. The first Saturday in the month will be a time to come together to pray and to listen to God as we think about what God is calling us to be and do as a church, within our parish and also beyond to the new estate. We will meet in church at 9.30am on 3^rd February and 2^nd March. There will be coffee and pastries available after the time of prayer. Sue Masters, susanmasters@skycom

Flower Rota
The 2024 Flower Rota is at the back of church. I have made it a two-weekly rota to help with finances. If there is a specific date on which you would like to have flowers in the church (if that date is not already listed, just let me know or write the date and your name on the bottom of the rota). As last year, I can do the flowers for you, or you can source and arrange the flowers yourselves. Julia McNaney.

Craft and Hobby Fair
Our next Craft and Hobby Fair will be on Saturday 24th February from 1.30pm – 4.30pm at Eastern Green Village Hall. We are looking for:

• donations of books and jigsaws, including children’s.
• anything suitable to be used as raffle prizes
• donations of sweets and chocolates for the tombola
• donations of cakes
• help on the day with serving the refreshments.

If you can help please speak to Rebecca Martin in church or contact Julie on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk. Thank you.

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

 Please send notices for next week to Julie by Thursday, email administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or call 07756 918847

This week’s readings are:

The Fourth Sunday of Epiphany

Collect
God of heaven,
you send the gospel to the ends of the earth
and your messengers to every nation:
send your Holy Spirit to transform us
by the good news of everlasting life
in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Post Communion
Generous Lord,
in word and Eucharist we have proclaimed the mystery of your love:
help us so to live out our days
that we may be signs of your wonders in the world;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-5

The Coming Messenger

3 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. ² But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; ³ he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. ⁴ Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

⁵ Then I will draw near to you for judgement; I will be swift to bear witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired workers in their wages, the widow, and the orphan, against those who thrust aside the alien, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.

NRSVA (New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised)

Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-40

Jesus Is Presented in the Temple

²² When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord ²³ (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), ²⁴ and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’

²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷ Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, ²⁸ Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

²⁹ ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word;
³⁰ for my eyes have seen your salvation, ³¹ which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, ³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’

³³ And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed ³⁵ so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

³⁶ There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, ³⁷ then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. ³⁸ At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

The Return to Nazareth

³⁹ When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. ⁴⁰ The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

NRSVA (New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised)

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)