Church Bulletin

We are approaching the end of August, traditionally a month of holidays and exam results!  Both have been rather different this year for obvious reasons.  Even so, there are signs that some sort of “normality” is now returning.  In the last week, I have enjoyed a picnic in the park with some friends and coffee / lunches out with others; a first meeting in more than 18 months with two members of my family and a hug from my elder grand-daughter; other family members have been back in their offices for the first time in ages.  The Bank Holiday offers other potential treasures, as I hope it does for you too.  I also attended last Sunday’s church service, when we were no longer required to book a place, capacity was raised to 60 and we were allowed to sing again, albeit from behind face-coverings.  Although I would not go quite as far as to say, as at least one person said, “It felt back to normal”, it was good to see people in person and to be involved in live worship together; there was definitely a different feel to the service – a sense of excitement even.  Praise the Lord.  And, with the Lord’s help, trust in Him and growing confidence, it will surely get better still. 

Even as we sense a growing confidence and new “normality”, however, I feel prompted to offer a note of caution.  As restrictions are eased and activities, events and meetings start to fill the diary again, I am already feeling a hint of a return to the frantic way of living that risks losing sight of the lessons learned from the last 18 months.  It is all too easy to lose sight of what and who are important.  If there has been any benefit from the pandemic for me, it has been having more space to make time for the Lord – times of quiet with Him; time to sit or walk and appreciate the unusual peace, fresher air and wonders of His creation around us; to read His word afresh, see new details or perspectives and even to engage with zoom(!) and join the “Building Our Faith” sessions to meet / share / discuss with others; to pray for the many needs of the world, the church and God’s people; and to try to act on the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  In short, as Sue said in her sermon last week, following St Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 6: to put on the full armour of God that equips us with everything that we need to step out into whatever role or action He calls us to.  Whatever “normality” comes to look like, it is vitally important that we maintain our relationship with God – our all-powerful and ever-loving Father; His Son, Jesus Christ, who showed us the way, died for us, was raised from the dead and lives and walks with us constantly, by the power of the Holy Spirit, who comforts, guides, prompts and inspires us; and that we remember always the promise of Jesus and share it with others:  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  (John 14: 27)  

Jeremy Thomas 

Church Guidelines

The PCC met on Monday 2^nd August and have agreed the following changes which will be reviewed regularly.

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 5th September at 10am. 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.

Wednesday Service

Our Wednesday Service has now resumed and commences weekly at 10am. Everyone welcome. There is no need to reserve a seat.

Church Volunteers

This is a reminder that anyone who volunteers for a role at St Andrew’s, whether paid or unpaid, must be safely recruited and may also require a DBS check. St Andrew’s are proud to abide by the regulations stipulated by the diocese to ensure the safety of all as far as we possibly can. 

If you have a role, or volunteered for a role within the church and have not been safely recruited please contact either Julie Crow (Parish Administrator) or Linda Chylinksi (Parish Safeguarding Officer) immediately. The contact details are:

Parish Administrator: Julie Crow – 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk

Parish Safeguarding Officer: Linda Chylinski – 024 7646 8535 

Sidespersons Rota

We are looking to resume a sidespersons rota for Sunday services. If you are willing to do sidesperson duty please let Julie or one of the churchwardens know.

Please note that each individual will need to be safely recruited for this role. We will need a short application form completing and contact details to obtain 2 references. A DBS check will not be required for this role.

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.

Please note that you will need to be safely recruited for this role. We will need a short application form completing and contact details to obtain 2 references. A DBS check will not be required for this role.

Book Club

The next Book Club meeting will be on Tuesday 14^th September at 7.30pm and the book we have chosen is: Who moved the Stone, by Frank Morrison.  A well-known book seller says this about the book: The classic text on examining the evidence for the Resurrection. Convinced that the story wasn’t true, Frank Morison started to write about Jesus’ last days. However, as he studied this crucial period something happened… First published in 1930, this is an exploration of what happened between the death of Jesus and the resurrection as recorded in the Bible. Writing this book changed Morison’s life.

Why not read it and join us to discuss what it says?

Any questions please contact Sue Masters.

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 church wardens.

Congratulations

To Phil and Denise Davies who celebrate their golden wedding anniversary tomorrow, 28th August, having got married at St Andrew’s 50 years ago.

Please Pray

For Peter Bruton who is in hospital after having a fall.

Activities for 50+ at Eastern Green Village Hall

Please see the enclosed poster with activities at Eastern Green Village Hall.

50 Plus Whats On 1

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

Parish Safeguarding Officer and Children’s Advocate: Linda Chylinski – 024 7646 8535