Emma has achieved top grades with her A levels this year too and it is apparent that she is a highly intelligent and a seemingly well-grounded young lady. In her response to the hordes of journalists’ questions, she has happily acknowledged her parents’ vital input into her development, “I think that the calmness and the mental strength definitely comes from my upbringing.” But there must have been sacrifices. She has had to work very hard at her training, probably forfeiting normal childhood and typical teenage freedom. Her parents have had to release their care of her to the Tennis Association team. Restrictions on USA travel meant that they were not even allowed to watch their beautiful, talented daughter play her matches.
If I’m honest, there is part of me that is anxious for Emma’s well being. She has reached staggering heights of success and joy, but she has also become a commodity. A young woman who will be chased by those who are eager to take advantage of her skills and make money out of her. How does one cope with all that? Just now, her world is her oyster, but I pray that those who look after her will protect her and guide her whilst giving her sufficient freedom to develop naturally. No easy task!
Those of us of mature years may remember our 18th year with fondness. For my generation, we didn’t come of age legally until we were 21 but many of us had been at work since we were 16. Others were at college or university or apprenticed. In those days jobs were easy to come by, Unions were outspoken and strikes common. Sports men and women were paid very little and Tennis stars such as Virginia Wade and Sue Barker had to make their own travel arrangements and sort out their own accommodation. How the world does change!
Thankfully, our God does not change. He is our rock. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13; 8. When faced with life’s challenges, the ups of success and the downs of failure, God is there with us, holding our hand, always faithful, loving us for who we are. That wonderful hymn ‘Faithful One’ by Brian Doerksen says it all:
| Faithful One, so unchanging Ageless One, You’re my rock of peace Lord of all, I depend on You I call out to You, again and again I call out to You, again and again | You are my rock in times of trouble You lift me up when I fall down All through the storm Your love is, the anchor My hope is in You alone |
Lesley Lee, Reader
Church Guidelines
The PCC met on Monday 2nd August and have agreed the following changes which will be reviewed regularly.
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 18th August.
- Life Events Weddings/Baptisms/Funerals – The church can accommodate 68 people utilising upstairs and downstairs and choir stalls. 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
Holiday
The parish administrator is now on holiday until Monday 20th September. For any church bookings or urgent enquiries please contact Becky Crowe, church warden, on 07875 552518.
On September 18th, Selina, Veronika and Lin (and anyone else who would like to join us), will be walking around the six churches of the Pontesbury and Stipertones group along with members of Greg’s new congregation. This is approximately 20 miles of quite hilly terrain, so more difficult than it sounds. We would like as many people to sponsor us as possible, and all proceeds will go to St. Andrews church.
How do you sponsor us:
- Sponsorship form is in church
- Use our specific online giving page, which is secure and offers a receipt, just follow the link – https://givealittle.co/campaigns/5f369064-5669-4be8-94e1-86e6e23fbef8
- You can telephone Lin direct for her to record you’re her number is 0247468535
- Give your donation to one of the Churchwardens
Please support this worthy cause, as over the past 18 months due to the ongoing pandemic, we have been unable to continue with many of our fundraising events and the money donated will continue to support the work of our church. Thank you all.
Lin Chylinski
Wednesday Service
Our Wednesday Service has now resumed and commences weekly at 10am. Everyone welcome. There is no need to reserve a seat.
This is a reminder that anyone who volunteers for a role at St Andrew’s, whether paid or unpaid, must be safely recruited and may also require a DBS check. St Andrew’s are proud to abide by the regulations stipulated by the diocese to ensure the safety of all as far as we possibly can.
If you have a role, or volunteered for a role within the church and have not been safely recruited please contact either Julie Crow (Parish Administrator) or Linda Chylinksi (Parish Safeguarding Officer) immediately. The contact details are:
Parish Administrator: Julie Crow – 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Linda Chylinski – 024 7646 8535
Sidespersons Rota
We are looking to resume a sidespersons rota for Sunday services. If you are willing to do sidesperson duty please let Julie or one of the churchwardens know.
Please note that each individual will need to be safely recruited for this role. We will need a short application form completing and contact details to obtain 2 references. A DBS check will not be required for this role.
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.
Please note that you will need to be safely recruited for this role. We will need a short application form completing and contact details to obtain 2 references. A DBS check will not be required for this role.
Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be on Tuesday 14th 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.
BUILDING OUR FAITH
Our Wednesday evening Bible Study and fellowship resumes on Wednesday 15th September at 7.30pm on Zoom. We will be looking at Old Testament characters over the next few weeks and everyone is welcome to join us.
The zoom joining details are:
812 4505 0020
Passcode: 295068
If you have not joined us before you are very welcome. If you have any questions please contact me.
Sue Masters
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
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/
On Monday afternoon Peter Bruton died after a short illness. Peter has been a member of our church for 30 years and over that time has served God and the church community in many ways. Most people will remember Peter serving as a side’s person or reading at the lectern on a Sunday. However, he was over many years involved in fund raising for the church and took an active role in the social events the church held. Peter will be missed by our Church family and we send our love and prayers to Sheila, Julia and James.
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
Parish Safeguarding Officer and Children’s Advocate: Linda Chylinski – 024 7646 8535