Latest News from the Rector
Dear Church Family (updated 18.9.20)
I have been finding it very helpful, over the last few weeks, to reflect on the theme of Hope. Recently the Lord has brought two ‘pictures’ to mind in the context of prayer:
A tin can without a label which I was attempting to open by smashing it against a rock. It felt like an apt illustration of the frustration I’ve been feeling about the restrictions on our worship and ministry. I’m hopeful for what’s to come, but it isn’t obvious what that will be or how we should get to it. I sensed God saying that he will provide a ‘tin opener’ in due course! James 1:2-6: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt…
Space City! Some of us of a certain age remember Fireball XL5, a 1960s TV series about space travel. I hadn’t thought of it for many years, but a picture came to mind of the Space City headquarters - a revolving communications tower which I realised was in the shape of a cross. (Click on https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http%3A%2F%2Fassociatedtelevision.network%2Fprogrammes%2Fanderson%2Ffireball-xl5%2F&psig=AOvVaw1A-IJtinpvciqQrFlB979l&ust=1600430982477000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCIiUgJaU8OsCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD and scroll down the page to see what I mean!) It spoke to me once again of the priority of prayer. As we journey into the unknown we must be sure to stay in touch with the Lord who will direct our course. Psalm 25:4-5: Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.
Dorothy Hutchinson
Today I heard the sad news that Dorothy died peacefully at home on Wednesday night, aged 94. Dorothy was a lovely, gentle lady who worshipped at the 8.30 am service. Please keep Gill and Pete in your prayers.
Private Prayer - Saturdays 10.00 am – 12 noon at All Saints
All Saints will be open for private prayer on Saturday 19 September. Please remember your mask.
Sunday Worship and Daily Prayer
Livestreamed Sunday Worship on 20 September at 10.30 am via the church Facebook page, continuing our theme of Hope. This week we’ll focus on the story of Esther and Hope when God seems far away. Dan Thomas will lead the service with live music from Chris Park. Daily Prayer continues Monday - Friday at 12.00 noon. The Daily Prayer sheet is here and Sunday Supplement is here. Thank you to everyone who responded to my question about the timing of Daily Prayer. There were five replies, each saying something different, so we’ll stick with 12.00 noon for the time being!
After-Church Coffee and Chat - Sunday 11.30 am
Hosted by Dot Bevington. Here’s the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86107373243?pwd=TkFDeVFHZ0RRMlJLTFJ1VitjM013Zz09
Meeting ID: 861 0737 3243 Password: Coffee
Worship for Children and their Families
Wallace Church will be available on the All Saints and St Andrew’s YouTube channel this Sunday morning. Sarah is hoping to relaunch Forest Church on Sunday 27th if we can work out how to do so safely. More information next week.
Holy Communion - Sundays 4.00 pm at St Andrew’s
Please contact the church office to book your place at our simple ‘said’ Communion service. Places are limited to 20 people. The service lasts 30 minutes. Please remember to bring your mask.
Sunday Night Live (for the last time!) - Sunday 20 September
Contemporary worship with James Simister and Hannah Kirk at 8.30 pm. There will be prayer for those about to go to university, including Hannah. Live on the church Facebook page.
Kidz Klub - Tuesday 22 September
Kidz Klub restarted for children from Huntington Primary Academy this week. It is open on Tuesday 22 September for children from other local primary schools and those who home school. Places are limited to 15 children so please contact the church office to book in. We aim to continue with this fortnightly pattern for the time being.
St Andrew’s Tots Toy Time
Not the usual stay-and-play session, but beginning on Wednesday 23 September Tots are invited to drop in between 10.00 and 11.00 am to choose a toy to borrow and take home a craft pack. We are hoping to continue once a fortnight. See the video on the Tots’ Facebook page to find out how it will work.
Thurzday Klub and Thursday Group
Thurzday Klub met for the first time in person this week. Thursday Group will meet on 24 September. Again, the fortnightly pattern will continue until further notice.
Are you good with pumpkins?
Sarah Griffiths has an exciting ideas for the end of October. If you are particularly adept at carving pumpkins, she would love to hear from you!
Supporting others
Every year we give away 10% of our income to support the work of other organisations. Our treasurer, Andrew Coombes, has sent gifts of £1,700 each to the following charities chosen by the PCC: CMS, Family Matters, IJM, Open Doors, Tear Fund, The Island, YoYo, York Food Bank; and a gift of £100 to help with the running costs of One Voice York.
Giving Online
If you would like to support All Saints and St Andrew’s by this method donating is easy and completely secure. You can access the donation page here. Alternatively you can find it via the church Facebook page (click the ‘shop now’ button!) or the church website https://allsaintsstandrews.wixsite.com/church - ‘about us’ - ‘giving’ or from the Donate button on the top bar). If you are a UK taxpayer, please confirm that you would like to reclaim Gift Aid on your donation. This will add 25p to every £1 you give.
God bless
Ian
FAITH LINK
Copies of the recent Faith Link magazines can be found here:
