Church Bulletin
I wanted this bulletin to be a football free zone but I know I am in a minority of those not interested in the football. According to one national newspaper today, 35 million people watched the football on TV last night, along I expect with the hours of commentary before and after the match. I was even present in our living room for the penalties, although I was doing a sudoku as well. After much anticipation and excitement peoples hopes were crushed and there were many tears shed.
Huge crowds gathered everywhere, wanting to be part of something big, people excited, hopeful, drawn together. In Coventry City centre yesterday the new Assembly Festival Gardens were setting up for an evening of football and there were many people wearing the England colours, some carrying boxes of alcoholic beverages, in preparation and anticipation of the evening to come. All wanting to be part of this moment.
Huge crowds followed Jesus too as he went about from town to town speaking about the kingdom of God. People gathering together, drawn by him, wanting to be part of this new future that He spoke of; people filled with hope and excitement. The hope we have is Jesus, a hope that is offered to all and which does not fail or fade.
How can we as 21st century disciples encourage and excite people about Jesus and attract people in the way the sports events have in the last month? The commentaries from those close to the event, the chatter among the excited followers an example perhaps to us as we seek to make Jesus known.
Our project to live stream services may be a one of the ways to introduce the kingdom of God to our neighbourhood and a catalyst for people talking about God. And we all can gossip the gospel, encouraging others to come close to Jesus, the source of our hope and expectation.
‘Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all.’ (Mark 16: 15; The Message translation).
Sue Masters
Reader
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.
Covid Updates
We await the Prime Minister’s announcement later today about the next step on the road map and the changes expected on 19th July. Our leadership team will be meeting tonight to discuss the plans for the future so please hold us in prayer.
In the meantime, the message from Coventry Health team is;
· Rates across the city are still continuing to see a rise. There is good availability for everyone across the city to get LFT home testing kits, these are for those that are not displaying symptoms. Testing yourself twice a week allows you to keep your family, friends, work colleagues safe when mixing. There are a range of ways you can access testing kits (order online, pop in to a local registered pharmacy, attend a community testing site in the city), head to the website to find out;
· PCR vs LFT tests – a gentle reminder of the difference between PCR and LFT tests. If you are not displaying any symptoms of COVID19 then you are encouraged to use LFT (lateral flow tests) as it helps identify cases that may go unnoticed but still be spreading across the community (see above of ways to access these tests). PCR tests are for those that are displaying symptoms of COVID19 – you must book this through the national booking system. Those that have also been notified as a close contact to a COVID9 case will now also be required to go for a PCR test- https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
See below attachment regarding mask wearing.
Book Club
Tuesday 13th July 7.30pm on zoom.
Zoom access details:
870 9541 3079
Password: 379324
Building Our Faith
Wednesday 13th July at 7.30pm looking at the parable of The Prodigal Son. Lesley will be leading us as we loom together at this parable.
Zoom access details:
812 4505 0020
Password: 295068
St Andrew’s ‘Rocks’
This Summer we would like you to join us in designing and painting a rock on the theme ‘Why I love our Area’.
If you would like to paint a rock there will be a box outside the Church Entrance on Thursdays and Sundays throughout the Summer for you to pop your finished rocks in.
We will then display these rocks in our Rockery at the front of the Church to view and spread a little joy this Summer.
We can’t wait to see what you create!
If you have any further questions then feel free to contact our Youth Worker Emma on standrewscovyouth@gmail.com
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
Please Pray
For the next stage of the appointment process for our new vicar.
Birthdays
Today Veronika and Jackie Page celebrate their birthdays; we wish them, and anyone else with a birthday this week, a very happy birthday.
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