Bulletin – 5th July 2021

Church Bulletin

We are at the start of a very busy and exciting week in the life of St Andrew’s and St Andy’s church, as we meet and interview the candidates who have applied to be our new vicar. I’ll talk more about that in my message at the end of the week. Although, I would ask you to please pray for the four candidates and those who will be involved in the selection process.

Before we even meet the candidates, there has been plenty of work to do in preparation for their arrival. We have had to plan for the Familiarisation Day, which is an opportunity for the candidates to meet the PCC and familiarise themselves with the parish and church. We have been busy setting up meetings and visits for them. ‘Military like’ plans have been put into place to make sure the candidates arrive at the right location at the right time. All of which has been made more complex, as we ensure they meet current Covid guidance. Then of course we have spent time in prayer as we pray for God’s guidance.

Alongside this, a group of volunteers have been busy cleaning the church and the vicarage in preparation for the week’s events. This included cutting the grass at the front of church and tidying up the vast vicarage gardens. Activities such as cutting grass, tackling the brambles and bushes were required to ensure everywhere looked neat and tidy.

This preparation has only been possible through the willing volunteers who have stepped forward and offered their services. Some have been spending time with a spade, fork, mower or hedge trimmer in the garden, others have utilised the hoover or used good old elbow grease to get the vicarage looking its best. Others have offered to make sure the candidates are fed and watered on the day and by driving them round for a guided tour. Others have been holding us in prayer. There have been many people who have stepped forward to help in the preparations and I’d like to thank everyone for your help.

It reminds me of a verse in St Pauls first letter to the Corinthians Ch 3 vs 5-9 where we are reminded that we are all fellow workers in God’s service. God does much of his work on earth through “volunteers” like you and me. Although we are part of a community that’s much bigger than any contribution we may make, we can help it grow by working together to share his love with the world.

Nick Tooby
Churchwarden

Thank You

Thank you to all those who supported the Vicarage working party on Saturday. It was a morning of hard work, fellowship and laughter, that resulted in everywhere looking fantastic.

Church Opening

The church is open for live worship every Sunday but will not be open for private prayer this Thursday, 8th July.

For Sunday services, 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 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.

Building Our Faith

There will be no zoom Bible study this week on Wednesday 7th July. The next meeting will be on 14th July.

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 the four candidates and those who will be involved in the selection process in 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