Church Bulletin
On Wednesday, I wrote about two of the fruits of the Spirit – patience and self-control; and in Wednesday evening’s “Building Our Faith” session (via zoom), Sue Masters led us in the first of the discussions on the “Parables of Jesus”, considering the Parable of the 10 Virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13); waiting patiently and being prepared for the coming of the kingdom of heaven. In the last week or so, I have seen the fruition of two long-awaited and eagerly-anticipated goals – watching my first live cricket match at Edgbaston for over a year and seeing for the first time my great-great-niece Ruby, who was born at the start of lockdown just over a year ago. In their different ways both required more preparation and thought perhaps than in more normal times, and even maybe a hint of apprehension along with the excitement; and there were last minute challenges which were overcome with lots of prayer and by the grace of the Lord. And both events (and watching the cricket in particular) were different from what they would normally have been. But both were ultimately a great, great joy: to be able to relax and find refreshment in the familiar at Edgbaston, despite the strange restrictions; and the culmination of hearing about Ruby’s progress from her parents and grandparents and seeing the photos that I was sent was truly wonderful –actually seeing them all face to face and watching the delightful 14 month old Ruby showing a lively interest in everything around her, playing contentedly on her mat on the lawn , displaying great character and taking early tottering steps, supported by loving parents and grandparents. All the fruits of the Spirit identified by St Paul in Galatians 5: 22-23 – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – were abundantly evident in the anticipation and realisation of that meeting; and the rewards were definitely well worth the wait and all the challenges that preceded it; and it refreshed my spirits. Praise the Lord.
“The Lord is my shepherd. Therefore I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23: 1-3)
Jeremy Thomas
Church Opening
The church is now 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
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 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.
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.
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 (Wednesdays)
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:
812 4505 0020
295068
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
Foodbank Donations (Fridays)
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 (Fridays)
The access codes for the 11.15am Sunday gathering are:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88959758216?pwd=RXJ2SWdWNW5DMlhKOXJsak1GUzRCdz09
Meeting ID: 889 5975 8216
Passcode: 504896
Donations of Children’s Books
Aldermoor farm school have asked for any donations of children’s books ( any age), if possible please. They are desperately short, as children take them home and never return them I am happy to collect from peoples homes who are willing to donate. Thank you. Phone 07962028625.
Linda Chylinski
Christian Aid
Christian Aid was a challenge this year with COVID, changing attitudes to collecting at the door and my inability to walk far.
However, with 3 loyal collectors we managed to raise £315.82 plus £ 25.63 which was gift aided making a total of £341.45.
Thank you to everyone.
Kind regards
Pat Sullivan
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