Church Bulletin
As we approach Christmas this year, once again we have some uncertainty over what the restrictions may be and what will change. With the covid situation so frequently changing it can be easy to be disheartened – don’t ‘cancel Christmas’ cry the headlines – but the reality is Christmas is never really cancelled. The way we celebrate it might well be altered, the parties on hold, but the central truth we remember each Christmas that God came down to live on earth remains the same however we celebrate it.
Of course, it is disappointing if plans have to change, it can be stressful trying to cope with an ever-changing rulebook, but the central message of Christmas remains one of hope. Jesus comes as Emmanuel – ‘God with us.’ With us in the changing plans, with us when we feel sad or lonely, and – remembering the wedding at Cana – with us when we party. But for those who are feeling sad this isn’t always much comfort, because of course God may be with us, but if we cannot see God, be hugged by God or have Gods’ help with the daily tasks, it can be hard to understand this. That’s of course where the Church comes in. We are together the hands and feet of God. We are the ones who can call a friend on their own, offer to do shopping or lend a helping hand. We are called to be the hands and feet of God – we are called to be Emmanuel to those around us, if you like.
This Christmas take a moment to think about those you know. Is there someone who would value a phone call or an offer to shop? Maybe take a moment to pray each day of the Christmas season for any you know who might be finding it hard. And, whatever happens, however plans change, remember the central message is the same, the story of Christmas is about more then cute nativity scenes, it’s a radical, life changing message, that God cared enough to come on earth and live among us. Have a blessed Christmas and New Year.
Jo Joyce – Vicar
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 vicar or one of the church wardens. Contact details are provided below.
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. Our next service will be on 2nd January.
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.
Prayer Guide
The Prayer guide for January is enclosed.
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
This is the final bulletin of 2021. 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 parish administrator, Julie, is on holiday until 5th January 2022. All enquiries until 25th December should be directed to the vicar and from 26th December to one of the church wardens.
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 onsite, 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
There is 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
26th December 2021 – The First Sunday of Christmas
Readings
Colossians 3.12-17 & Luke 2.41-52
Preside
Jo Joyce
Preach
Jo Joyce
Reader
Sara Parkes
Intercessions
Di Fellowes
Next week
Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12
Diary Dates December – January | ||
| 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 |