Church Bulletin
It has been a very busy and tiring week, but an extremely exciting one as we have met and interviewed the four candidates who applied for our vacancy as vicar of Eastern Green. As you would expect there was plenty of excitement and some nervousness as they arrived on Wednesday to meet members of the PCC and look around the church and vicarage. It was lovely to have the opportunity to spend time talking to them and their families (although not all candidates had families) as they asked questions and explored if they were being called to Eastern Green. On Thursday it was more formal. The candidates were required to present a 10-minute homily on one of the lectionary readings for the day. This was followed by a 10-minute presentation titled “Eastern Green – Call vision and the first six months”. The interview then concluded with 40 minutes for questions posed by the panel. My first thought at the end of the two days was how well the candidates had done. Can you imagine the time each candidate would have spent preparing for their interview?
What was truly clear was that we had four very strong candidates, who had a deep love for our Lord and an enthusiasm and energy to share the gospel and minister pastorally to the Parish of Eastern Green. Each person bought different skills and approach, but they all felt a calling to minister in this parish.
One question I was asked by several people over the past week was “but how are you going to decide who the right person is?” I immediately go into ex Civil Service mode talking about competencies, testing vocations and how they answer against our priorities. I assumed people would be suitably impressed, but one person came back “but how are you going to be sure they are the right person? It’s a question I have been praying about quite a lot. How will I be sure?
Certainty about anything is difficult to achieve. We all had plans for holidays and events in the last 18 months and suddenly a pandemic, removes the certainty and creates uncertainty. How can I be sure about the person I help to appoint? The simple answer, I cannot, neither can the rest of the panel. We can through listening, questioning, and enquiring get a sense of the persons ministry and approach, but I believe that God has guided the decision making and led us to the right person. I’m reminded of the words of Proverbs 19: 20-23 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
On Thursday evening the interview panel made a unanimous decision and recommended a candidate to the Bishop. We are not able yet to give you any more information, but we will as soon as we can. There was a real sense, after a long process, the Lord’s purpose had prevailed and Eastern Green can be excited in the person chosen.
Nick Tooby
Churchwarden
Church Opening
The church is 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.
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.
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/
Sunday Coffee Gathering
The access codes for the 11.15am Sunday gathering are available from the churchwardens.
Warwickshire Watercolourists Art Exhibition
Please see the enclosed poster for the Warwickshire Watercolourists Art Exhibition 28th – 30th August 2021 at Berkswell Reading Rooms. 10am – 5pm daily. Free Entry.
Mission Partners
Please see the enclosed update from our mission partners, Dan and Phillipa Munday.
Update from Dan & Phillipa Munday
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