Bulletin – 21st June 2021

Church Bulletin

Well, today is 21st June – a date we had hoped would see us enter phase 4 of the Government’s Covid roadmap with the ending of all legal restrictions on social contact.  Regretfully, it was not to be, and I am sure that I was not the only one who was not surprised when Boris informed us that Phase 4 would be delayed and that it would be sensible to wait “just a little longer”. Now we have a new date – 19th July – in which to place our hope. 

‘Hope’ – how awful our world would be if we did not have that wonderful gift.  God given, of course. We can be in the darkest of situations, on the brink of despair, and that tiny whisper of hope seems to stealthily enter our soul and bring light. And, yes, not all our hopes are fulfilled, but they can ease some of the pain, help us cope and sometimes guide us to new solutions. Our God, who is the God of Love, is also the God of Hope. As Paul says in his letter to the Romans:

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”   Roman 15; 13.

21st June is special for another important reason; some of us will be visiting Pontesbury today to see Greg and Fran in their new parish and participate in a special church service of celebration. May God bless all involved abundantly.

As we wish Greg and Fran much joy, love and success in Pontesbury, it is with hope that we look to our own future. You may have already heard from Nick that we have had six applicants for the position of vicar and that shortlisting will be taking place this Thursday.  Please hold all in prayer – applicants, the selection team and all our church family – and may our God of Love and Hope show us the way forward.

Lesley Lee
Reader

Update on the appointment of a new Vicar for St Andrews and St Andy’s Eastern Green

The closing date for applications was last Friday and I’m pleased to let you know that we received 6 applications. The Archdeacon and representatives from the Parish (Nick Tooby, Sue Masters and Liz Reed), along with the Area Dean, will be meeting on Thursday to shortlist the best candidates for interview. The interviews will take place on the 7th and 8th July. Please keep everyone in your prayers as we seek to appoint the person God is leading to the post.

Nick Tooby – Churchwarden

On-line Service Streaming Project

You are probably wondering what has happened with this project since we made an appeal for donations earlier in the year. Firstly, I’d like to say thank you to all those who donated, because with the money raised from the Parish, alongside some Grants we received, we now have enough money to fund the project.

Plenty of work has been going on behind the scenes over the past few months. We have been seeking quotes and guidance on the best equipment to install. Work has been undertaken to look at the implications on the building of placing the new cameras etc.

We have now appointed a company to install the equipment. We received authority on Friday to install Broadband into the church, this will be completed within the next two weeks. The next stage is to develop the faculty application to be submitted to the Diocese to get authority to install camera and sound system. We are working towards a September date to be able to start streaming our first services.

Nick Tooby – Churchwarden

Church Opening

The church is 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.

Children’s Service

Our next Children’s service will take place in church on Sunday 4th July. If you would like to reserve a place, please contact Julie on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk

Children’s Books

Aldermoor Farm school have really depleted stocks of children’s books in their library. Many have disappeared and funding is now low to restock. Please could I ask people to hunt in their cupboards for any age children’s books please they no longer require.  I am happy to collect from anyone kind enough to donate. Please ring me, Linda Chylinski, on 07962 028625. Thank you.

Building Our Faith

At our Wednesday evening Bible Study we are looking at the Parables of Jesus and this week Sue will be leading us on the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. If you have not been before, or not for a while you are very welcome.

The zoom access codes are available from Sue Masters on 07958 322026.

Book Club

Our Book Club meeting has been rearranged for Tuesday 29th June at 7.30pm on zoom. The book we are reading is The Shack by William P Young and you just have time to read it before the 29th June if you would like to join our discussion. If you would like further information, please contact Sue Masters on 07958 322026.

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 

Please Pray

Please pray for St Andrew’s as shortlisting is about to begin 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

Churchwardens: Nick Tooby – 07951 925772 and Becky Crowe – 07875 552518

Parish Administrator: Julie Crow – 07756 918847