Church Bulletin
They say that patience is a virtue. I cannot imagine why I have not been using the car so much in the last year or so!! Maybe it is because there is nowhere to go? Anyway, I had to fill up with fuel the other day for the first time in months and found I had almost forgotten how to do it! At least, I have not forgotten how to drive, I hope – unlike a few of those I have encountered on the roads, apparently, who seem to be either giving rein to their frustrations and impatience, following a year of restrictions, or intent on continuing their acquired habit of using emptier roads as a race track! When my Dad was trying to teach me to drive as a teenager, he gave me two pieces of advice that have stayed with me – “Remember, when you get in a car, you are at the wheel of a potentially lethal weapon”; and secondly, “Always be mindful of the other idiots on the road!!” I wondered at his use of the word “other”! But this acquired even greater significance a few years ago, when I was “invited” to avoid a fine by attending a “Speed Awareness” course! I found this to be an extremely useful refresher course, which has made me much more aware of my own shortcomings and, I hope, more careful about my own driving; but also more aware of the transgressions of the “other idiots on the road”, who might well benefit from a similar refresher course. Now, I am well aware of Jesus’ teaching about the “speck of sawdust” in another’s eye and the “plank” in my own (Matthew 7: 3); and I am in no position to judge others. I can still be impatient at the wheel, especially when I am late! As if!! But, as restrictions are gradually eased and the roads become busier again, my Dad’s advice about driving seems to me to be particularly appropriate – and may be applicable in other areas too: as we are encouraged to relax or exercise further self-control, we must continue to be careful and show consideration for each other; also to remind ourselves that St Paul lists patience and self-control as two of the “fruits of the Spirit”.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5: 22-23)
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.
Holiday & Reserving a Place at Sunday Service
The parish administrator, Julie Crow, will be on holiday from Thursday 3rd – 13th June. Any urgent queries should be addressed to one of the churchwardens whose phone numbers are provided at the end of the bulletin.
Bulletins this Friday and next week will only be available on the church website and Facebook page until the week beginning 14th June, when an emailed bulletin will resume.
Sunday service is now fully booked for 13th June. Please email Julie if you wish to reserve a seat for the service on 20th June. There are still spaces available for the Children’s service this Sunday, see information below.
Children’s Service
Our next Children’s service will take place in church on Sunday 6th June. If you would like to reserve a place, please contact Becky Crowe on 07875 552518 or rebecca.crowe@ourfaith.online
St Andy’s
For St Andy’s bookings for this week and next week please contact Penny Wakefield at wenthewoodle@hotmail.co.uk
Recruitment of Volunteers at St Andrew’s and St Andy’s
We would like to highlight that all church volunteers must be safely recruited and some volunteers are also required to undergo a DBS check and complete safeguarding modules. This isn’t St Andrew’s being picky, it is a legal requirement stipulated by the diocese for every volunteer role.
As lockdown eases, we must now be vigilant and ensure all the necessary checks are completed.
If you are a church volunteer and have not yet been safely recruited, please contact Julie (Parish Administrator) at administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or Linda Chylinski (Parish Safeguarding Officer) at onelindilou@gmail.com to arrange for this to be completed.
All members of the PCC must ensure that they complete Parish Safeguarding module C0 (Basic safeguarding Awareness) which is available online.
June Prayer Guide
Visit to Pontesbury
Greg & Fran are inviting members of St Andrew’s to a Thanksgiving service on Monday 21st June at 7pm. The service will be held at St George’s in Pontesbury.
The three available arrival times are 2.30pm for the full guided tour; 6pm for buffet or 7pm for service. If you would like to attend please confirm to Julie or one of the churchwardens by Friday 18th June.
You will need to make your own arrangements to travel to and from Pontesbury.
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
Baptism Verger
With the church now open for public worship we are seeing an increase in requests for baptisms and therefore have an urgent need to add some people to our Baptism Verger rota. Baptisms take place after the morning service on Sundays usually at 12 noon and last about an hour to hour and half. If you are interested, please let Julie or the Churchwardens know and training can be arranged. This role is important as you will be the welcoming face of St Andrew’s to people who may not have been to church before. A fixed rate is paid for each baptism.
Baptism Visitor
We are also looking for a Baptism Visitor. This volunteer role involves contacting families to meet with them to obtain details for the baptism and assisting with baptism preparation. If you are interested, please contact Julie for a full job description.
Dogs in Churchyard
Due to an increasing amount of dog fouling in the churchyard we must ask dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and ensure that any poop is bagged and binned.
Help Needed for an English Conversation Class
Are you a native English speaker? St Andy’s have started running a conversation class for refugees and asylum seekers in the Tile Hill area. We need volunteers to help run the conversation class on Wednesdays, 11.15am-12, currently meeting on Zoom. All you need is to be able to speak English and love God! If you are interested, please contact Sue Best (susanbest369@btinternet.com/07837488721).
Building our Faith
Our zoom Bible study continues this Wednesday at 7.30pm. The theme is The Holy Spirit and all are welcome to join us.
The zoom access codes are available from 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 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