Church Bulletin

Our children’s service this month was on the theme, ‘Actions speak Louder than Words’. As part of the service, I mimed actions and the congregation, who it turned out was made up of more adults than children, had to say what they thought my actions were saying. They got them all, understanding what I was trying to say without using words. The interaction with the congregation highlighted that actions do speak volumes and we convey meaning powerfully by what we do as well as what we say, often more eloquently: ‘By their fruit you will recognise them’ (Matthew 7:20).

This came to mind for me this week as I watched a TV news report about the fires raging on the Greek Island of Evia. The scant fire service was overwhelmed by the fires raging out of control and a local young man, Spyros, together with a small group of volunteers, worked tirelessly to fight the fires. As residents were being evacuated from their homes on the Island, this small group travelled across the Island working to put out the fires that destroyed many homes and livelihoods. There were fears that the fire would completely destroy the island as it travelled across the dense forests and countryside, yet they continued to battle the inferno.

His actions made a huge impact on the island and his small group made such a difference to the outcome. His action in responding quickly, encouraging others and working bravely to fight the fires, a great example of actions speaking louder than words. His own house did not burn but his thoughts and actions were focused on others; friends, relatives and neighbours, whose homes were burning, and on his community that was being ravaged by the fire. He spoke to BBC reporters and his words highlighted how his actions were focused outwards on others in his community, his actions speaking volumes I feel.

Words are important, and what we say and how we say it also has a huge impact on others but actions often can speak louder than words: ‘by our deeds we are known’. Small acts of kindness, actions that are inclusive and affirming and that reflect God’s love are a blessing to others.

‘Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.’ ( 1 John 3: 18)

Sue Masters
Reader

Church Guidelines

The PCC met on Monday 2^nd August and have agreed the following changes. These changes will start from week commencing 16^th August 2021, this allows time for preparations to be made to the church:

People are requested to:

• use the sanitiser when entering church.
• Social distance
• Use a face covering when in church.

• Singing – will now be allowed but requested to be done behind a face covering.
• Move to a 1 metre distance – therefore all pews will be open, but only 2 people (related or formally in a bubble) are allowed to sit in each pew. People will be asked to sit at the opposite end of the pew from the people in the pew in front/behind. This is to achieve the 1 metre social distance. 
• Upstairs will now be open on Sundays to increase capacity.
• If people, due to mobility or preference, wish to sit downstairs for the Sunday service you will need to contact Julie to book a place. Otherwise, the booking arrangements will be suspended, and people will be seated on a first come first served basis, utilising both the main body of the church and upstairs. The capacity of the church will be 60 people.
• People will still be encouraged to record via the track and trace app.
• We will continue with the current arrangements for sharing the peace.
• Communion – will be administered in the pews as now. We will follow the option to administer the bread only at this time. We will request that people continue to wear a face covering when receiving Communion to protect both themselves and visiting clergy.
• Coffee – will not be available after any service at this stage.
• The online service will continue to support those who are not able to return currently.
• Wednesday Service – Wednesday service at 10:00am will start again from the 18^th August.
• Life Events Weddings/Baptisms/Funerals – The church can accommodate 60 people utilising upstairs and downstairs. The number able to attend will be at the discretion of the person officiating at the service. Singing will be requested to be undertaken behind face coverings.

As you can imagine trying to get the balance right is very difficult, but we will keep the guidance under review. We will continue to take our steer from the Church of England and Public Health England guidance to make sure that we are keeping us all as safe as possible.

The church will continue to open on Thursdays and Sundays from 9am until 5pm.

Nick Tooby – Churchwarden
On behalf of the PCC

Children’s Service

Our next Children’s service will take place in church on Sunday 5^th September.

St Andrew’s ‘Rocks’  

This Summer we would like you to join us in designing and painting a rock on the theme ‘Why I love our Area’.

If you would like to paint a rock there will be a box outside the Church Entrance on Thursdays and Sundays throughout the Summer for you to pop your finished rocks in.

We will then display these rocks in our Rockery at the front of the Church to view and spread a little joy this Summer.

We can’t wait to see what you create!

If you have any further questions then feel free to contact our Youth Worker Emma on standrewscovyouth@gmail.com

Sidespersons Rota

We are looking to resume a sidespersons rota for Sunday services. If you are willing to do sides duty please let Julie or one of the churchwardens know.

Flower Rota Coordinator

Ann Dove, having done the role for several years, is standing down as Flower Rota Coordinator. We are now looking to recruit a volunteer to take over the role. If you would like more information and a copy of the job description, please contact Julie on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk.

Congratulations

To Hannah Tidmarsh and Zach Waller who are getting married at St Andrew’s on Saturday.

Book Club

The next Book Club meeting will be on Tuesday 14^th September at 7.30pm and the book we have chosen is: Who moved the Stone, by Frank Morrison.  A well-known book seller says this about the book: The classic text on examining the evidence for the Resurrection. Convinced that the story wasn’t true, Frank Morison started to write about Jesus’ last days. However, as he studied this crucial period something happened… First published in 1930, this is an exploration of what happened between the death of Jesus and the resurrection as recorded in the Bible. Writing this book changed Morison’s life.

Why not read it and join us to discuss what it says?

Any questions please contact Sue Masters.

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.

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 and Becky Crowe – 07875 552518

Parish Administrator: Julie Crow – 07756 918847