Church Bulletin
Well, it’s official we can now hug those close to us. In the announcement this week the Government has informed us that people can hug those close to them, but they should remain cautious, as this remains a way of transmitting COVID. Who would have thought 12 – 18 months ago the main topic of conversation this week would be hugging and cuddling someone. We all like a hug, and even those who were not keen before the pandemic, are now desperate to have a little cuddle with someone in their family.
I always remember when my lads were young, there was something special when they ran towards you, with arms open wide, wanting a hug. Then there were the times when they would jump on your lap, ready to listen to a story and we’d “cuddle in”.
Much of the time, I’m focused on being independent, but as the announcement was made, it made me realise how important a hug is to me. Even though both lads are now grown men, I can’t wait to have a hug the next time I see them. Psalm 116 vs 7 suggests that we might need to regularly remind ourselves of God’s good love, and then “cuddle in” to his waiting arms: “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you” and indeed, he has. Had you thought about including God on your list for a hug next week?
Nick Tooby
Churchwarden
APCM
On Monday 17th May 2021 at 7.30pm we will be holding our Annual Parochial Church Meeting. The meeting will be via zoom and the details and link are available from the parish administrator or the churchwardens.
The meeting will be chaired by the Area Dean. It is an opportunity to find out how our church has been active in its ministry, through its people, over the past twelve months.
The papers for the meeting, and the agenda, can be found on our website from Saturday morning at https://standrewseg.co.uk/. We will also be giving an update on the progress being made to find a new vicar.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Monday.
Nick Tooby – Churchwarden
Deanery Synod Representatives
We are looking to find people who are willing to stand for election at the AGM to represent the PCC as Deanery Synod reps. Below is an outline of what this entails. If you are interested in the role please could you let one of our churchwardens or the parish administrator know. Contact details are at the end of this bulletin.
Appeal for Deanery Synod Reps 2021
Recruitment of Volunteers at St Andrew’s and St Andy’s
We would like to highlight that all church volunteers must be safely recruited and some volunteers are also required to undergo a DBS check and complete safeguarding modules. This isn’t St Andrew’s being picky, it is a legal requirement stipulated by the diocese for every volunteer role.
As lockdown eases, we must now be vigilant and ensure all the necessary checks are completed.
If you are a church volunteer and have not yet been safely recruited, please contact Julie (Parish Administrator) at administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or Linda Chylinski (Parish Safeguarding Officer) at onelindilou@gmail.com to arrange for this to be completed.
All members of the PCC must ensure that they complete Parish Safeguarding module C0 (Basic safeguarding Awareness) which is available online.
Church Opening
The church is now open for live worship every Sunday and for private prayer on Thursdays.
Due to limited seating, places may be reserved by contacting Julie on a first come, first served basis. As before, we urge you if you have an invitation not to forget and if you are suddenly unable to attend to let us know at the earliest possible moment. Face masks continue to be required. If you see anyone not wearing a face mask, it is because they have medical exemption. We are not allowing any other exception. It is imperative the rules are strictly adhered to. This means gelling hands immediately upon arrival, taking your pew straight away as directed by the steward including whether to sit by the wall or the aisle; not moving from your place at any point during the service; and leaving promptly afterwards.
To reserve a seat please contact Julie at administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or 07756 918847.
After booking a seat, if you find that you are unable to attend a service please inform one of the churchwardens so that it can be offered to another person.
Reserve List
Having had empty pews in previous weeks, we are looking to put together a reserve list of those people who are willing to be contacted at short notice to attend a service. If you would like to be included on this list then please let Julie know.
St Andy’s
Did you know St Andy’s has a website!? Recently relaunched, revamped and made to look spiffing, you can find it here: standyschurch.com. Meant as a place to provide some info about the church, what we do and where to find us, it makes an excellent way to show people who we are.
If you would like to attend a service at St Andy’s please contact Julie as she will be taking bookings. Please contact administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or 07756 918847.
Children’s Service
Our next Children’s service will take place in church on Sunday 6th June. If you would like to reserve a place, please contact Julie before Wednesday 2nd June on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk
After this date there may still be places so please contact Becky Crowe on 07875 552518 or rebecca.crowe@ourfaith.online
Thy Kingdom Come
Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. It started in 2016 and Christians from 172 countries have taken part. In the days between Ascension Day on 13th May and Pentecost Sunday on 23rd May we invite you to join this call to prayer, where it is hoped that people will:
- Deepen their own relationship with Jesus Christ
- Pray for 5 friends or family to come to faith in Jesus
- Pray for the empowerment of the Spirit that we would be effective in our witness
There is a short video on the St. Andrew’s website giving more information, or you can access the website www.thykingdomcome.global to assist you; but you don’t need to use them, you can just pray. Why not be part of this commitment to prayer in these days up to Pentecost Sunday?
Baptism Verger
With the church now open for public worship we are seeing an increase in requests for baptisms and therefore have an urgent need to add some people to our Baptism Verger rota. Baptisms take place after the morning service on Sundays usually at 12 noon and last about an hour to hour and half. If you are interested, please let Julie or the Churchwardens know and training can be arranged. This role is important as you will be the welcoming face of St Andrew’s to people who may not have been to church before. A fixed rate is paid for each baptism.
Baptism Visitor
We are also looking for a Baptism Visitor. This volunteer role involves contacting families to meet with them to obtain details for the baptism and assisting with baptism preparation. If you are interested, please contact Julie for a full job description.
Christian Aid Week 10-16th May
As we were unable to collect house-to-house in 2020 this year is a very important year for Christian Aid. Like so many other charities they desperately need your support. However, this year the collection will be very different.
Firstly, I was due the first of 2 knee replacements which did not take place and now I can only walk with a stick which will limit the number of houses I am able to collect from.
Christian Aid has produced some envelopes which will be delivered locally. I will include my details and if you wish to donate you can just return the envelope through my door. Also, I have set up an e-envelope should you wish to donate online. (link below)
At a time when we are all being asked to donate for one thing or another, I understand you cannot give to all. Do please try and support us if you can.
Kindest regards
Pat Sullivan
8 Osbaston Close
e-envelope:
https://envelope.christianaid.org.uk/envelope/st-andrews-church?channel=status
Dogs in Churchyard
Due to an increasing amount of dog fouling in the churchyard we must ask dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and ensure that any poop is bagged and binned.
Cleaning the Church
As we are opening the church again from Easter Day, our thoughts are turning back to cleaning the building. Currently, we have a very small team who are on the rota to clean once a week. The team is Phil and Denise Davies, Diane Wilson, Becky Crowe and I who clean on a voluntary basis. Ideally, we would like to add some more volunteers to help us.
It normally takes a couple of hours to clean the church and side room (we are not cleaning upstairs currently) to make sure it is ready for a service on Sunday.
Cleaning of the building is important at the moment, not just to show visitors that the church is cared for, but also as part of the arrangements to allow us to open the church safely. Would you be able to help? If so, please email me at nicktooby@btinternet.com
Thank you, Nick Tooby
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
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.
Pilates
A new daytime Pilates class is commencing at Eastern Green Village Hall on 17th May at 1.15pm. Spaces are still available so if you are interested, please contact Julie on 07792 965370 or orchardfeelgood.info@gmail.com
Congratulations
Many congratulations to Rebecca Martin who celebrates her 50th birthday this Sunday 16th May.
Please Pray
Please pray for Rita Muir who has had a fall and is badly bruised: and for John Shelton whose health is improving but has a slow recovery ahead.
Please also pray for St Andrew’s as work continues to take place in the process of finding a new vicar.
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
Parish Administrator: Julie Crow – 07756 918847
Churchwardens: Nick Tooby – 07951 925772 or Becky Crowe – 07875 552518