Church Bulletin
I shed tears for the first time this morning since making the decision to leave St Andrews (Fran has long since lost count of her tearful times). I suspect it was brought on by the meeting the previous evening planning our leaving service. The reality and enormity of what we are doing is finally starting to sink in. As a man, I was brought up to believe that boys don’t cry; and while I no longer believe that is right, it’s hard to shake off a lifetime of conditioning. The great promise of Revelation 21 is that Heaven is a place where He will wipe every tear from our eyes, but not because we will be granted greater powers of stoicism but because He will remove every cause for sadness: Heaven is a place where there is no more death or loss or pain! Meanwhile, there are many causes for sadness here on earth in the midst of a pandemic and therefore I encourage you when necessary to shed tears of healing.
SCAMS
We have taken further action to reduce the danger of scams being perpetrated using our website as resource for criminals. However, it is vital that individuals are vigilant. If you have an unexpected request for money or indeed an unexpected offer of money, please do not part with cash or bank details without checking carefully the authenticity of the request.
Greg and Fran’s leaving service
A reminder that from 10 a.m. today, we are welcoming bookings to attend Greg and Fran’s leaving service at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday Jan 24th at St James, Tile Hill Lane. We will be livestreaming this service for those who would prefer to watch from home.
Church Opening
The church is open for live worship this Sunday (although all places have been taken). The PCC meet on Monday to consider what to do about the rest of lockdown. In the meantime, 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. Thank God that our government have recognized that worship is vital to the nation’s health, but please understand that this is why churches are open: to provide opportunities for worship not for socialising. The zoom after church coffee will continue for as long as it’s not possible to socialise in person.
Service collection and online gifts/donations
We trialled an online Christmas Church Collection page for our Christmas services this year and quite a few people used it to make their church collection / gift. The people I’ve spoken to have said they found it easy to find and use. We have decided that we will continue to offer this approach for people who attend our online services and normally give via the collection plate, or who may wish to make a donation to the work of the church. The attached link is the way to make a gift and this will also be included on the service link each week. Can I say thank you to everyone who continues to support the work of St Andrew’s Church your contributions are very much appreciated. Nick Tooby (Churchwarden).
https://givealittle.co/campaigns/eef64318-0a22-4db7-8d81-0ab3ccddf15d
Online Services Appeal – Enabling your church to offer online services
We are applying to organisations for grants to secure half the cost, but need to meet the other half from donations. If you feel that this is something you can support please make a donation via the link below. Thank you.
https://givealittle.co/campaigns/b9308eca-1eae-48fd-9485-dad6d2d459f3
Winter Grant Scheme
The winter grant scheme is available to support families and individuals with access to food, energy, water bills and other essential items. The aim is to give vulnerable households peace of mind in the run-up to Christmas and over the winter months during the pandemic by helping those who need it to have food on the table and other essentials, so every child will be warm and well-fed this winter. The scheme will run through until 31 March 2021.
https://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/1/council_and_democracy/3551/covid-19_coronavirus/8
Corona update
Please find attached a helpful summary of the new rules pertaining to lockdown.
Christmas Tree
Many thanks to Fran, Steve, Hilary and Diane who kindly ensured that the Christmas was safely taken down by the end of the 12 days of Christmas.
Please Pray
Please pray for Marilyn Starr in Myton Hospice; Ann Dove now at home following her knee operation; Mike Lynch in hospital following a fall and hip replacement; for our schools and nursery teachers and for parents home schooling.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” Hebrews 13.8