Church Bulletin
I was reading a story this morning of a young man who was an enthusiastic altar server and came to this country as part of the Windrush generation. He attended a church in Clapham in the 1950s, but after the service the minister spoke to him and told him he would not be welcome to return. That man is now an ordained minister himself, but unsurprisingly in a different denomination. However, he was recently invited back to that church in Clapham, where six decades later, he was formally welcomed. A year ago, I would have rejoiced that such things could never happen in Eastern Green. And yet, because of Covid-19, we are repeatedly having to say to people who want to worship God in our building that there isn’t room for them. This seems to be exacerbated by the approach of Christmas. I am trying to remember where I’ve heard before that phrase: there’s no room for you. Oh yes. Thankfully, as both my introductory story and the Christmas story remind us, God will not be thwarted in fulfilling His plans.
Christmas Services
We are offering the following services over the Christmas period.
Sunday Dec 20th at 10 a.m. In person (now full) and online
Sunday Dec 20th at 6 p.m. Carol Service online
Xmas Eve at 2 p.m. Crib Service online
Xmas Eve at 8 p.m. Midnight Mass at St Oswald’s presided by Phil
Xmas Eve at 11.30 p.m. Midnight Mass at St Oswald’s presided by Greg
Xmas Day at 10 a.m. Online from 8 p.m. on the 24th and in person
Sunday Dec 27th at 10 a.m. In person and online
Anyone wishing to attend an in-person service at St Oswald’s or St Andrew’s should book via Julie. As Julie will be on holiday from 12 noon on 18th December, please let her know before then if you wish to attend.
Attending Church
In person services recommence this Sunday, however we are fully booked 6th, 13th and 20th December. It is recommended that anyone wanting to attend services on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day reserve places as soon as possible. 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.
Funeral Verging
Once Fran has departed these shores, we will need someone who is willing to verge at funerals. A full job description is available, but duties include welcoming guests and ensuring Covid compliance; liaising with the minister and funeral director on arrival; cleaning the church afterwards and operating the sound/music system. The post attracts a payment of £25 per service. Please contact Greg for further details.
The Nightingales Online Fundraiser
An online fundraiser in memory of Pat Trickett will take place on Sunday 6th December from 2.30 – 4pm. All proceeds will be donated to Myton Hospice. If anyone would like to join them, the link to use on Sunday is provided below. It can be accessed either via a computer or smartphone.
Fundraising for Church
As those of you who know me, I enjoy crafting. I continued throughout the year hoping that we may be at some normal come the end of the year and that St Andrew’s Autumn/Christmas fayre would go ahead. Unfortunately, this is not the case. I have therefore put together an online stall which can be found by using the link : https://youtu.be/fmsKDEBrV90
If you wish to purchase anything please contact me either by Tel 024 7646 1508 or email beccamartin@talktalk.net to arrange purchase and I can make delivery to the local area.
Many thanks for looking. Rebecca Martin
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/
Congratulations
To Paul Chylinski who has a round numbered birthday tomorrow!
Toy Appeal
We are anticipating another fantastic response to our toy appeal. A reminder that we will not be able to accept late donations and that the final deadline for bringing toys to church will be 5 p.m. on Sunday Dec 6th. Thanks to Hilary for agreeing to help with the transport.
Advance Notice
One or two people have enquired about attending Greg & Fran’s farewell service. There will be a service at St James, Tile Hill Lane on 24th Jan at 6.30 p.m. Places for this will be available to be booked in advance on Friday 8th Jan at 10 a.m. on a first come first served basis. We are holding the service at St James because of its increased capacity, but this is still only c 45 people. Similarly, you will be able to reserve places at St Andrew’s that same morning, but with even more limited capacity. Please do not attempt to get in early. Only emails sent after 10 a.m. will be eligible.
Safeguarding Training
If you are a church volunteer, member of the PCC or have any role within the church, please ensure that you complete course C0 (mandatory) and C1 (depending on your role) which are both now available online at http://www.dioceseofcoventry.org/SafeguardingTraining. Please send Julie a copy of the completion certificate once you have completed a course. If you have any queries please contact Julie on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk
Jigsaw Puzzles
We have many 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles and a few 500-piece puzzles which anyone can loan. If you would like one please contact Julie on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk. If you are unable to collect a jigsaw please give me a call and I can arrange for one to be delivered to you.
Please Pray
For Beryl Lee, convalescing at a home in Keresley; for Peter Shale who has been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer, for Marilyn Starr undergoing cancer treatment and for Bryan Walker who though home from hospital is still quite poorly. Please pray for our Wednesday night Advent group which begins this week.
“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Matt 18.20