Church Bulletin
It has been a busy time recently, and while I love to be busy a day away from the laptop and the list of things to do was calling. So, yesterday we went to a National Trust property in Northamptonshire. As we drove along the A46 we hit a long queue of traffic that didn’t move and that threatened to disrupt the day. We crawled along for a while and then my trusted driver took a detour from the Sat-Nag route and we ended up driving along lovely country roads with no other traffic and beautiful views. We were on roads we hadn’t driven before and we saw only four other cars in the whole time we drove this route, until we parked at the National Trust Property.
Once there we meandered through the beautiful formal gardens, and walked out into the deserted parklands, although only part of them because the sheep were loitering and there was a warning about cows! My love of nature only goes so far. After the obligatory coffee and cake, we sat in the formal gardens and it was so nice to just sit and be still, to look at the scenery and people watch. It felt like a while since I had done that and it reminded me of the need for all of us to take time out to rest, reflect and restore. We did have a chat about our Wednesday evening Bible study and the questions it had thrown up, and also about small groups in general, so maybe not a complete switch off! But time nevertheless to reflect and to just be still. On the way home we stopped at a canal-side hostelry and sat again while enjoying a glass of something nice.
I know we are very fortunate that we are able to do this, and despite the fact my head tells me I am 20 years younger than I actually am, this is a benefit of having become a ‘concession’.
The Bible tells us about Sabbath, a time set aside, to come close to God, but also a time to rest, to regenerate. We need to remember this and take time to breathe, to look around us and to enjoy the moment and the place we are in. Our gospel reading for this Sunday tells us of Jesus’ encouraging His disciples to do just this. As the disciples return to Jesus, after a time of teaching and healing among the people, the gospel tells us: Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6: 31). Jesus encouraging time for rest and refreshment, for rebuilding and renewal. Their rest didn’t last long as people perused Jesus and the disciples for more teaching, but the principle was established of the need for time without activity, that can be good for the body and the soul.
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.
The current arrangements for attending church will remain in place after 19th July and until the PCC have met to consider the new Church of England guidance. A further update will be included in the bulletin.
Children’s Service on 1st August
Our next Children’s service will take place in church on Sunday 1st August a 10am. If you would like to reserve a place, please contact Julie on 07756 918847 or administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk
Activities for 50+ at Eastern Green Village Hall
Please see the enclosed poster with activities at Eastern Green Village Hall.
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
Book Club
The next Book Club meeting will be on Tuesday 14th September at 7.30pm and the book we have chosen is: Who moved the Stone, by Frank Morrison. A well-known book seller says this about the book: The classic text on examining the evidence for the Resurrection. Convinced that the story wasn’t true, Frank Morison started to write about Jesus’ last days. However, as he studied this crucial period something happened… First published in 1930, this is an exploration of what happened between the death of Jesus and the resurrection as recorded in the Bible. Writing this book changed Morison’s life.
Why not read it and join us to discuss what it says?
Any questions please contact Sue Masters.
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.
Please Pray
For the next stage of the appointment process for our 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