Church Bulletin
Last week I went on a Quiet Day for Advent organised by the Diocese. When I first saw it advertised, I did think ‘that looks good but I am not sure I have the time for it.’ Obviously, that’s the point, that in this frenzied season of Advent as we wait the coming of Jesus, making time to reflect and actually wait on God is important.
For an extrovert like me who likes to be busy, quiet days and retreats are not always easy, in Dave’s words my head is always pinging. With three sermons and a Bible study to plan and write as well as a trip to Essex to prepare for and all the other things that Christmas brings, I was clearly in need of time to stop and reflect! It was a time where I sat, read my Bible, read some poetry focused on Advent and Christmas and just generally waited on God. It was time of refreshment, a time when I knew God was present and that he would bless the things that were of Him that I had on my ‘to do’ list.
The sermons are practically finished (in my head they are never actually finished), I have done a lot of shopping and most importantly I have spent time in waiting and reflection with God.
As we wait in Advent, I encourage you to take just a short time, when you can, to reflect on the coming of Christ, looking to Christ’s coming again in glory as we worship and witness to his kingdom here on earth.
I pray that God will bless us and all that we do in his name; and in the words of a song that we sang often at my last church:
May God’s blessing surround you each day,
As you trust Him and walk in His way.
May His presence within,
guard and keep you from sin,
go in peace, go in joy, go in love.
Sue Masters – Reader
Corrections to Christmas Services
Please note that the Lantern Procession from St Oswald’s church will take place on Sunday 19th December at 3.30pm (and not Saturday 18th December as previously stated).
Also, the Carol Singing in Allesley Green will not be taking place this year.
An updated leaflet detailing the Christmas services is provided below.
Volunteer
We are still looking for a volunteer to do a reading at the 2.30pm Crib Service on Christmas Eve. If you are able to help, please let Julie know on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk
8am Communion
Our 8am Communion service on the first Sunday of the month has now restarted. All welcome.
Book Club
The next Book Club meeting is on Thursday 6th January 2022 at 7.30pm. If you are interested in being part of the group, or have any questions please contact Sue Masters (07958322026).
Safeguarding at St Andrew’s
The House of Bishops policies (2006, 2010) highlight the importance of regular safeguarding training for everyone who works either with children (under 18 years), or vulnerable adults. Also, for anyone in a position of trust whether it is a paid or unpaid role.
The diocese provides a range of training accessible via the website and they are free of charge. Courses have been updated and have been renamed.
C0 – Basic Safeguarding Module. This is only required once.
C1 – Foundation Safeguarding Module. Refresh every three years unless completed leadership module.
C2 – Leadership Module. This is a training session accessible via the diocesan website and is repeated every three years.
Please can everyone required to complete training now get up to date, as Covid/lockdown previously made training unavailable. The diocese has worked hard to enable us to complete our training via the diocesan website which you can access using the following link
https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org/
You will need to create a username and password.
Any queries or problems, please don’t hesitate to contact myself, Linda Chylinski or Julie Crow, our administrator. Please let us know once you have completed a course.
Many thanks,
Linda Chylinski – Parish Safeguarding Officer
024 7646 8535
Building Our Faith
Our Wednesday evening bible study and fellowship takes place on Wednesdays at 7.30pm on Zoom. From Wednesday 24th November for four weeks, we will have an Advent Theme and it is a space to read the Bible and to share together. Everyone is welcome to join us.
The zoom joining details are available from Sue Masters.
If you have not joined us before you are very welcome. If you have any questions, please contact me. Sue Masters, Tel: 07958 322026, Email: susanmasters@sky.com
Coventry Public Health Team Message
With the new emergence of the Omicron variant, it is now more important than ever to encourage people to take regular lateral flow tests. Coventry City Council currently run two lateral flow community testing mobile units. The aim is to reach out and offer a local, easily accessible testing service to some of most deprived and disproportionately affected communities in Coventry. This service is only for Coventry residents or workers who do not have COVID-19 symptoms. There is no need to book an appointment, simply turn up and get tested. It is recommended that everyone takes a COVID-19 test at least twice a week to ensure that they do not have the virus. Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms. The units are scheduled to visit a number of community sites over the next couple of weeks (see below).
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/
Important Note
The weekly bulletin will be replaced by Pews News in the new year, copies of which will be available in church. We will continue to email Pews News on a weekly basis to everyone subscribed to the bulletin.
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
Vicar: Jo Joyce – 07588 576351 email revjoannajoyce@outlook.com
Churchwardens: Nick Tooby – 07951 925772 and Becky Crowe – 07875 552518
Parish Administrator: Julie Crow – 07756 918847
Parish Safeguarding Officer and Children’s Advocate: Linda Chylinski – 024 7646 8535
12th December 2021 – The Third Sunday of Advent
Readings
Philippians 4.4-7 & Luke 3.7-18
Reader
Elizabeth & Graham Shelton
Preside
Jo Joyce
Preach
Lynnette Clarke
Intercessions
Lynnette Clarke
Next week
Hebrews 10.5-10 & Luke 1.39-45
| Diary Dates December | ||
| Sun 12th | 10.00am | Parish Communion Service |
| 3.30pm | St Andy’s at St Oswald’s church | |
| 6.00pm | Carol Service | |
| Mon 13th | 7.30pm | PCC meeting |
| Tues 14th | 6.00pm | Drama Group at St Oswald’s church |
| Weds 15th | 10.00am | Wednesday Service |
| 7.30pm | Building our Faith on Zoom | |
| Sun 19th | 3.30pm | Lantern Procession from St Oswald’s church |
St Andy’s Services
12th December – St Andy’s at St Oswald’s church, 3.30pm, all ages welcome
19th December – Lantern Procession from St Oswald’s church 3.30pm, all ages welcome
26th December – no meeting for St Andy’s church