Church Bulletin
One of the joys of this festive season is seeing the wonderful displays of Christmas lights. Cities and towns put on amazing and often sophisticated presentations in their high streets. Villages will have their huge Christmas trees sparkling brightly. All is delightful and much appreciated.
But what truly amazes me is all the energy, imagination and expense that many people put into the external decoration and lighting of their homes. From illuminated inflatable Santas popping out of chimneys to wired-framed l.e.d. lit reindeer or snowmen parading on front drives. Often it is a simple row of shimmering white lights hanging under the eaves of the roof or the more striking icicle-type lights surrounding bay windows; garden trees and hedges suddenly get adorned with baubles and brightly coloured fairy lights.
There is a broad spectrum of approach in how we adorn the outside of our homes in celebration of Christmas, from a simple circular wreath on the front door to the incredible, splendidly over-the-top and joyous displays which cause us to stop in our tracks and look in admiration; our inner child looking on in wonder, our grown-up self in awe of the time, expense and energy employed to achieve such magnificent affect.
I wonder if those of us who decorate our homes appreciate just how much we might be revealing about ourselves as individuals.
You will notice that I have not once mentioned anything to do with the story of the nativity. In fact, stars are quite common, and angels are popular in formal displays; the ones in Regent Street this year are stunning. Sadly, the truth is that Crib scenes are few and far between. Christmas – the Mass of Christ – in our street displays appears to be missing the point. Do I want to see l.e.d. lit wire-framed Joseph and Mary, or inflatable shepherds with their sheep? No, I do not! I am only too aware that our Lord has a wonderful sense of humour and enjoys the fun-loving aspect of humanity; that our Creator God created us in His image and takes pleasure in our own creativity and that the character of Santa Clause with all his retinue developed from the generosity of Saint Nicholas. Most important of all, is that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World and brings the light of His love to us all. Something, that we may want to remember the next time we look at Christmas illuminations.
Lesley Lee – Reader
Christmas Services
Due to the high transmission of the Omicron variant, it is with deep regret that our in-person crib services will not be taking place this year as originally planned. However, please check our church website and Facebook pages as a link to the recorded showing of the crib service will be made available.
For Midnight and Christmas Day Communion services we are asking that people book a place by contacting the parish administrator by 22nd December. After this date, please contact the vicar or one of the church wardens.
Christmas Collection
If you are not able to attend church over the Christmas period but would still like to make a donation to the work of the church, the link below will take you to our on-line giving page. The page is secure and will offer you the chance to receive a receipt. Thank you for your ongoing support to the work of our church.
https://givealittle.co/campaigns/eef64318-0a22-4db7-8d81-0ab3ccddf15d
Nick Tooby – Churchwarden
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).
Building our Faith
Our Building our Faith bible study meetings will not be running for the next few weeks and will recommence on Wednesday 12th January.
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
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/
Bulletin/Pews News
The weekly bulletin will be replaced by Pews News in the new year, copies of which will be available in church. We will email Pews News on a weekly basis to everyone subscribed to the bulletin.
For the recipients of the postal bulletin, if you would like to continue to receive Pews News by post then please contact Julie on 07756 918847 and we will be happy to continue to send this to you.
The final bulletin for 2021 will be emailed/posted on Wednesday 22nd December.
Archaeology Open Day
There will be an open day for our excavations at Upper Eastern Green on the 8th of January from 10am-2pm. This is in the fields across to Pickford before the building commences. Of course, this is with the caveat that we are monitoring the Covid-19 situation carefully, and we may need to reschedule depending on Government advice/restrictions, however, we hope this won’t be the case and we very much look forward to welcoming people onto the site.
Numbers will be limited as will parking on-site, with space for 20 cars per hour. Anyone who wishes to arrive by car should book via this eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/archaeology-open-day-eastern-green-tickets-226888267917
The site can be accessed on foot from behind the Garden Flats opposite the shop on Upper Eastern Green Lane then following the path straight up to the ridge. There is also a public footpath to the site, which can be accessed from the Juniper Play Park in Allesley Green (CV5 7QH). We do ask people intending to arrive by foot to book a ticket using the same eventbrite link, just to give us an idea of numbers, however these tickets are not for timed slots.
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
19th December 2021 – The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Readings
Hebrews 10.5-10 & Luke 1.39-45
Reader
Jill Joyce
Preside
Lynnette Clarke
Preach
Sue Masters
Intercessions
Lesley Lee
Next week
Colossians 3.12-17 & Luke 2.41-52
| Diary Dates December | ||
| Sun 19th | 10.00am | Parish Communion Service |
| 3.30pm | Lantern Procession from St Oswald’s church | |
| Weds 22nd | 10.00am | Wednesday Service |
| Friday 24th | Crib Service online | |
| 11.00pm | Midnight Communion – please book your place | |
| Sat 25th | 10.00am | Christmas Day Communion – please book your place |
| Sun 26th | 10.00am | Parish Communion |
| Sun 2nd | 8.00am | Said Communion |
| 10.00am | Worship 4 All | |
| 3.30pm | St Andy’s Service at St Oswald’s Church | |
| Weds 5th | 10.00am | Wednesday Service |
| Thurs 6th | 7.30pm | Book Club |
St Andy’s Services
19th December – Lantern Procession from St Oswald’s church 3.30pm, all ages welcome
26th December – no meeting for St Andy’s church