As many of you will be aware I’m very interested in military history, especially concerning the two World Wars. The 6th June 1944 was D Day, the date the largest military naval, air and land operation ever attempted began, and started the campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied north west Europe. Over the past two years, due to the pandemic, I’ve not been able to travel to Normandy in June to be part of the remembrance events, something that I’ve missed. However, I’ve lots of recent memories of talking to veterans as they recount their different stories. They reflect on their emotions, their fears and yes for some the excitement, as they played their small part in the battle being fought across 50 miles of beaches.
Jump forward now 77 years and recently I was on a train, the first time for over 12 months, and in a near empty and very quiet carriage I was listening to a group of four ladies as they chatted on their journey. As I listened to their conversation, it seemed that within their families everyone was facing some significant battle of their own. Two had parents fighting cancer, another a daughter with an eating disorder and another was waiting for a hip replacement operation. And I reflected on how we all at different times and in different ways are facing battles of our own. In the first book of Chronicles ch 16 vs 11 we read these words “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always” That’s not bad advice to follow when illness, family concerns and other battles confront us, because we haven’t been left to fight alone. God is present; God is strong; and God will get us through.
Nick Tooby
Churchwarden
Church Opening
The church is now 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.
Holiday
The parish administrator, Julie Crow, will be on holiday from Thursday 3rd – 13th June. Any urgent queries should be addressed to one of the churchwardens whose phone numbers are provided at the end of the bulletin.
Bulletins this week will only be available on the church website and Facebook page until the week beginning 14th June when an emailed bulletin will resume.
Sunday service is now fully booked for 13th June. Please email Julie if you wish to reserve a seat for the service on 20th June. There are still spaces available for the Children’s service this Sunday, see information below.
St Andy’s
For St Andy’s bookings for this week please contact Penny Wakefield at wenthewoodle@hotmail.co.uk
Churchyard Working Party
We are having a working party to tidy up the front of the churchyard this Saturday morning (12th June) from 09:30am. If you can spare sometime please turn up. Please bring your own brushes, spades etc.
Thank you,
Nick
Recruitment of Volunteers at St Andrew’s and St Andy’s
We would like to highlight that all church volunteers must be safely recruited and some volunteers are also required to undergo a DBS check and complete safeguarding modules. This isn’t St Andrew’s being picky, it is a legal requirement stipulated by the diocese for every volunteer role.
As lockdown eases, we must now be vigilant and ensure all the necessary checks are completed.
If you are a church volunteer and have not yet been safely recruited, please contact Julie (Parish Administrator) at administrator@standrews-eg.org.uk or Linda Chylinski (Parish Safeguarding Officer) at onelindilou@gmail.com to arrange for this to be completed.
All members of the PCC must ensure that they complete Parish Safeguarding module C0 (Basic safeguarding Awareness) which is available online.
Visit to Pontesbury
Greg & Fran are inviting members of St Andrew’s to a Thanksgiving service on Monday 21st June at 7pm. The service will be held at St George’s in Pontesbury.
The three available arrival times are 2.30pm for the full guided tour; 6pm for buffet or 7pm for service. If you would like to attend please confirm to Julie or one of the churchwardens by Friday 18th June.
You will need to make your own arrangements to travel to and from Pontesbury.
Dogs in Churchyard
Due to an increasing amount of dog fouling in the churchyard we must ask dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and ensure that any poop is bagged and binned.
Help Needed for an English Conversation Class
Are you a native English speaker? St Andy’s have started running a conversation class for refugees and asylum seekers in the Tile Hill area. We need volunteers to help run the conversation class on Wednesdays, 11.15am-12, currently meeting on Zoom. All you need is to be able to speak English and love God! If you are interested, please contact Sue Best (susanbest369@btinternet.com/07837488721).
Building our Faith (Wednesdays)
Our zoom Bible study continues this Wednesday at 7.30pm. The theme is The Holy Spirit and all are welcome to join us.
The zoom access codes are:
812 4505 0020
295068
The zoom access codes are available from Sue Masters on 07958 322026.
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
Donations of Children’s Books
Aldermoor farm school have asked for any donations of children’s books ( any age), if possible please. They are desperately short, as children take them home and never return them I am happy to collect from peoples homes who are willing to donate. Thank you. Phone 07962028625.
Linda Chylinski
Christian Aid
Christian Aid was a challenge this year with COVID, changing attitudes to collecting at the door and my inability to walk far. However, with 3 loyal collectors we managed to raise £315.82 plus £ 25.63 which was gift aided making a total of £341.45.
Thank you to everyone.
Kind regards
Pat Sullivan
Congratulations
To Emma & Graham Read who celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary on 8th June.
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