Church Bulletin

Yesterday, my friend and I decided that we would go to see the Rollright Stones in Oxfordshire.  My Map Ap informed me that we could get there in 54 minutes – not a long drive, with the promise of beautiful views and a healthy walk at the journey’s end.

“Ah”, I thought, “but we need to avoid the A46.”  I had travelled to Stratford earlier in the week and met the bottle neck that is usually described as the A46.  Best to be avoided at all costs!  My ap offered 3 options – the 3^rd of which seemed to solve the problem.  I picked up my friend, explaining that the 54 minute journey would now be 1 hour 12 minutes and we settled for the drive, listening to the dulcet tones of my lovely Map Ap Man. 

I was surprised at the route we were taken and even more surprised when it took us through the University Campus towards Stoneleigh.  We could see the A46 below us – there wasn’t a great deal of traffic but what was there was speeding along happily.  We decided to risk it and slipped on to the A46.  We were fortunate and didn’t hit the bottle neck until just after the Warwick exit.  Seeing the problem ahead, I took the slip way to Warwick much to the indignation of my Map Ap Man who was determined that we should be more obedient and return to the A46.

Bravely, I ignored his insistent directions, all of which I knew would return me to the dreaded road.  But Map Ap Man was faithful and some few minutes later we eventually found an alternative route to our objective.  Did we save time?  I will never know – but we avoided the A46!

I mention all this because it reminds me how journey-like our life is.  We travel along and all seems on track when, suddenly, we are faced with a problem or obstacle of some sort and what seemed relatively straightforward suddenly becomes complex.  How we deal with that problem will vary according to our personality.  Some will try to avoid it, some will face it head on philosophically and patiently, others will seek help. 

I have mentioned Sarah Young and her devotional book ‘Jesus Calling’ before.  This is an extract from Sunday’s reading:

“Do not let unexpected problems distract you from My presence.  Instead, talk with Me about everything, and watch confidently to see what I will do.

Adversity need not interrupt your communion with Me.  When things go ‘wrong’, you tend to react as if you’re being punished.  Instead of this negative response, try to view difficulties as blessings in disguise.  Make me your Refuge by pouring out your heart to Me, trusting in Me at all times.” (cf  Psalm 62; 8)

Lesley Lee
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. There is no need to book however to prepare for those who do intend to come please let Julie know if you plan to attend the service.

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.

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 

Congratulations

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

Also, congratulations to Rachael and Nathan who had their daughter Daphne baptised at St Andrew’s yesterday.

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