Church Bulletin
What a week for news: G20 meetings in Rome, Cop26 meetings in Glasgow and the associated protests and discussions on climate, a train crash, the fishing dispute between the UK and France, the conduct of MPs and allegations of racism in sport, and that is just a snippet of the news items from this week. Of course, I have left out the football results and ensuing discussions that seems interminable!
I read the news on line several times a day and wonder why sometimes; I like to know what is going on but it does leave me in despair on occasions, and it can also bring on rage. As I sit in my study looking out at my quiet, peaceful road, engrossed in sermon preparation, church planning and yes, online shopping, I can forget sometimes that the world goes on around me and all of these things are part of the world I inhabit. Listening to the morning prayer today, on my Lectio 365 App, the speaker focused on just one of the many news items listed above, reflecting on Cop26 and the impact we are all having on the created world. Do we think that someone, somewhere will sort it out, or perhaps, what difference can we make?
As these times I find it helps to remember that Jesus is Good News. The gospel of Christ is good news for us, in good and in difficult times. And the gospel of Christ calls us to be part of the world we inhabit, caring for it and caring for those that inhabit it alongside us. So, when the news seems overwhelming, annoying and discouraging, we look to Jesus to bring us back to the transforming power of the good news of His love and grace.
And the angel said to them, “do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke: 2:10)
Sue Masters
Reader
Revd Jo Joyce – Licensing service
We have now confirmed that the Bishop of Warwick will conduct the licensing service for Jo as our new Vicar on Wednesday 17th November at 19:30pm, in church. The service congregation will include Jo’s family and friends, members of clergy from Coventry and Nuneaton Deanery as well as members of the congregations of St Pauls, St Andrews and St Andy’s. We have limited capacity due to the ongoing Covid restrictions, therefore, attendance I’m afraid will be by invitation only. Invitations have been issued, but it is likely that some additional places will be available for St Andrews and St Andy’s congregation. If you would like to attend, please can you let Julie know on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk and we will fill any availability from this list and will issue invitations to you. We are hoping to be able to stream the service as well.
Nick Tooby
Churchwarden
Memorial Service
Our annual Memorial Service takes place on Sunday 7th November at 6.30pm. We have a couple of places left which we can offer to those who wish to attend, however booking is essential so please contact one of the churchwardens.
Thank You
Well done and thank you to everyone involved in organising the Gift Day and Wedding Dress Exhibition. There was a wonderful display of wedding dresses, photos and information which were enjoyable to look at and read.
Wednesday Service
Our Wednesday Service has now resumed and commences weekly at 10am. Everyone welcome. Please note that there will be no service on 24th November due to the installation of the livestreaming equipment.
Worship 4 All
Our next children’s service, now resuming the name of Worship 4 All, will take place this Sunday, 7th November, starting at 10am. Everyone welcome.
Book Club
The next Book Club meeting is on Thursday 6th January 2022 at 7.30pm. The book we will be reading and discussing is Doing Time with God by Bill Dyer. The summary of the book says:
‘The writer was robbed and shot at an ATM and was locked up in anger, hatred, and resentment. Then a miracle happened. God led Bill out of darkness and into prison for unfinished business. Like other Christian testimony books, true story impact and meaning will touch you in such a way that you will experience these things happening in yourself.’
We will meet on 6th to share our views on the book and to discuss some of the questions it raises for us. The group is open to all; if you have never been part of a book club this might be the time to give it a try. If you are interested in being part of the group, or have any questions please contact Sue Masters (07958322026).
Flower Rota
We would like to return to the tradition of placing flowers on our altar table each week. As from Sunday, 26th September, there will be a Rota available on the Notice Board at the rear of the Church for the period October-December, 2021. If you would like to reserve a week in which to remember a loved one by having flowers in Church, please would you sign up for the appropriate Sunday.
The procedure has changed, and we will not be collecting money from you. Instead, we are returning to the original system: You are asked to provide your own flowers and bring them to Church on the Thursday before the relevant Sunday. Please arrange them in the brass vases and stand them on the altar table. (Water is available in the kitchen and scissors are in the kitchen drawer.) Any flowers from the previous week with remaining life can be transferred to the stoneware jug which stands at the back of church or other appropriate vases. Dead flowers/cuttings and any rubbish should be taken to the appropriate bins outside church.
A special thank you to Ann and Frank Dove, for their amazing commitment and hard work in maintaining our flowers inside church over so many years.
If you have any queries, please speak to Lesley Lee.
Building Our Faith
Our Wednesday evening bible study and fellowship takes place on Wednesdays at 7.30pm on Zoom. We will be looking at Old Testament characters over the next few weeks and everyone is welcome to join us.
The zoom joining details are available from Sue Masters.
If you have not joined us before you are very welcome. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Sue Masters, Tel: 07958 322026, Email: susanmasters@sky.com
Church Volunteers
This is a reminder that anyone who volunteers for a role at St Andrew’s, whether paid or unpaid, must be safely recruited and may also require a DBS check. St Andrew’s are proud to abide by the regulations stipulated by the diocese to ensure the safety of all as far as we possibly can.
If you have a role, or volunteered for a role within the church and have not been safely recruited please contact either Julie Crow (Parish Administrator) or Linda Chylinksi (Parish Safeguarding Officer) immediately. The contact details are:
Parish Administrator: Julie Crow – 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Linda Chylinski – 024 7646 8535
Sidespersons Rota
We are looking to resume a sidespersons rota for Sunday services. If you are willing to do sidesperson duty please let Julie or one of the churchwardens know.
Please note that each individual will need to be safely recruited for this role. We will need a short application form completing and contact details to obtain 2 references. A DBS check will not be required for this role.
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
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/
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
Parish Safeguarding Officer and Children’s Advocate: Linda Chylinski – 024 7646 8535
Diary Dates November | ||
| Sun 7th | 10am | Parish Communion |
| 3.30pm | St Andy’s Service at St Oswald’s | |
| 6.30pm | Annual Memorial Service | |
| Mon 8th | 7.30pm | PCC Meeting on zoom |
| Tues 9th | 6.00pm | Drama Group at St Oswald’s Church |
| Weds 10th | 10.00am | Wednesday Service of either communion or morning prayer |
| 7.30pm | Building our Faith bible study on zoom | |
| Sun 14th | 10am | Remembrance Sunday Service |
| 6.00pm | Rock Solid | |
| Tues 16th | 6.00pm | Drama Group at St Oswald’s Church |
| Weds 17th | 10.00am | Wednesday Service of either communion or morning prayer |
| 7.30pm | Licensing Service for our new vicar, Jo Joyce |