Church Bulletin
Few people, I suspect, will have failed to be affected to some degree by the “feel good” factor and positive energy engendered by football’s European Cup; the involvement of the home nations and restoration of the old rivalries; and, of course, England’s famous victory over Germany and the optimism inspired by a young and improving team and a fresh and unifying approach under an impressive manager. What is more, 40.000 spectators were at Wembley to celebrate the goals and victory over Germany with apparently unrestrained joy!! At Wimbledon, we have seen encouraging progress by our young British players, as well as Andy Murray’s exceptional courage and determination to be keeping the crowds on the edges of their seats once more, as he returns to the top flight following hip surgery and two years’ absence. And perhaps the most inspiring moment of all was when the first day crowd on the Centre Court gave a full minute’s spontaneous standing ovation to one of the invited guests, as Dame Sarah Gilbert, the scientist who co-designed the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, was shown on screen and introduced. These are all most encouraging, and signs that we seem to be moving towards some form of normality and the stated hope that all legal restrictions may indeed come to an end on July 19th.
One of the positive lessons I have learned during the pandemic is to take more time out to be still in the presence of the Lord – “to bask in God’s love”, as one friend put it, to reflect and appreciate all His blessings, the generosity of God’s gifts and the wonders and beauty of His creation. Yet there has been and still is so much to do, and there is maybe a danger that we will revert to old ways without learning the lessons of the past 15 months. As Covid restrictions are gradually eased and things change (and the body is slower to respond!!), I can occasionally feel some of the old tensions returning. It becomes harder to keep on top of the phone calls, e-mails and text messages that keep us connected to each other; harder too to make space for the Lord. Last week, Lesley quoted from Sarah Young’s devotional book, “Jesus Calling”. And the message for yesterday imagined Jesus urging us to “Be willing to fight for this precious time with me”. I will continue to do so, as prayer underpins everything that we do, and awareness of God’s love, along with praise and thanksgiving for His goodness, is the only path to true peace (Philippians 4: 4-7). So I do hope that, as we rejoice and relax into whatever the “new normal” looks like, we will learn the lessons and continue to show love and concern for each other – and especially the anxious and vulnerable, but also to take time to “bask in God’s love” and give Him all the praise, thanks and glory for all His goodness to us – including His plans for the football, tennis and to bring us a new vicar!!
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46: 10)
Jeremy Thomas
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
There are still spaces left for the Children’s Service this Sunday, 4th July. If you would like to reserve a place, please contact one of the churchwardens.
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.
Doreen Hand
An interment of ashes for Doreen Hand will take place at 2pm on Saturday 10th July. Doreen will be laid to rest with her husband John in the cremation area of the churchyard.
Doreen’s daughter, Sue Grey, would like to invite anyone who knew Doreen to join them in the churchyard. Please see the enclosed letter.
Invite to interment of Doreen Hand
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 churchwardens.
Prayer Guide
Enclosed is the prayer guide for July.
Please Pray
Please pray for St Andrew’s as work continues to take place 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