Church Bulletin
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13 vs 34
I know many people have been asking what changes will be introduced in our church following the move to Step 4 of the roadmap out of lockdown. The Church of England has provided guidance, as has Coventry Diocese, on the approach churches should take. The key message is that as the level of Covid infections remains high, although it appears to now be reducing, we should take a cautious approach in relaxing the existing restrictions.
I’m sure you will all have your own view on how far we should go in terms of the relaxation, but it is important to reflect on the words of John 13 vs 34. We have a responsibility to” love one another” and to look to strike the right balance for all those who are part of the church family.
The PCC met on Monday and have agreed the following changes. These changes will start from week commencing 16th August 2021, this allows time for preparations to be made to the church:
People are requested to:
- use the sanitiser when entering church.
- Social distance
- Use a face covering when in church.
- Singing – will now be allowed but requested to be done behind a face covering.
- Move to a 1 metre distance – therefore all pews will be open, but only 2 people (related or formally in a bubble) are allowed to sit in each pew. People will be asked to sit at the opposite end of the pew from the people in the pew in front/behind. This is to achieve the 1 metre social distance.
- Upstairs will now be open on Sundays to increase capacity.
- If people, due to mobility or preference, wish to sit downstairs for the Sunday service you will need to contact Julie to book a place. Otherwise, the booking arrangements will be suspended, and people will be seated on a first come first served basis, utilising both the main body of the church and upstairs. The capacity of the church will be 60 people.
- People will still be encouraged to record via the track and trace app.
- We will continue with the current arrangements for sharing the peace.
- Communion – will be administered in the pews as now. We will follow the option to administer the bread only at this time. We will request that people continue to wear a face covering when receiving Communion to protect both themselves and visiting clergy.
- Coffee – will not be available after any service at this stage.
- The online service will continue to support those who are not able to return currently.
- Wednesday Service – Wednesday service at 10:00am will start again from the 18th August.
- Life Events Weddings/Baptisms/Funerals – The church can accommodate 60 people utilising upstairs and downstairs. The number able to attend will be at the discretion of the person officiating at the service. Singing will be requested to be undertaken behind face coverings.
As you can imagine trying to get the balance right is very difficult, but we will keep the guidance under review. We will continue to take our steer from the Church of England and Public Health England guidance to make sure that we are keeping us all as safe as possible.
Nick Tooby – Churchwarden
On behalf of the PCC
Sidespersons Rota
We are looking to resume a sidespersons rota for Sunday services. If you are willing to do sides duty please let Julie or one of the churchwardens know.
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.
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 church wardens.
Please Pray
For the next stage of the appointment process for our new vicar, Jo Joyce, and as she prepares to become 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