Latest News from the Rector
Dear Church Family (updated 22.5.20),
Another picture to share this week, this time from Barbara Hemmingway who passed it on after Monday’s Daily Prayer service. Barbara saw a wooden barrel which was being constructed on an earthen floor. The wooden pieces (I did some research - apparently they are called ‘staves’) had been made and brought together, and the first metal hoop was in place. The other hoops were being fitted. Barbara mentioned that the completed barrel has to be soaked to make the wood swell and the barrel watertight.
It seems clear that this is another word from the Lord about the unity of All Saints and St Andrew’s Church. The wooden staves represent individual members of the church which have been skilfully shaped and brought together by God. Everyone is necessary. The hoops (which remind me of the circular forms that have featured in several recent pictures, and especially the golden sash which bound the sheaf of corn in Ian Richardson’s picture) would seem to represent the love of Christ holding us together and protecting us. We have to stay soaked in the Holy Spirit if we are to be a good barrel - if we dry out, we leak. It is wonderful that the Lord chooses to speak to us in this way, and thank you Barbara for your faithfulness in sharing it.
Again, there is no shortage of news and information to pass on this week.
Further News about Chris Park
Last week I mentioned the wonderful news that his last scan could not detect any cancer in his body, but Chris is still vulnerable so we have agreed with the Archdeacon of York that he should be furloughed for the time being. The situation will be reviewed as we go, and Chris will begin his phased return to ministry as soon as possible. Please continue to pray for him.
Church Weekend at Wydale Hall
Sadly, the residential weekend planned for July will not be able to go ahead. The GOOD NEWS is that we have been able to book for the equivalent weekend in 2021. Please put the date in your diary - Friday 9th to Sunday 11th July 2021. Juliet Wright has masterminded the planning. Juliet will be in touch with everyone who had booked for this year and paid a deposit.
Thy Kingdom Come
There is an app available to encourage us as we pray for our five friends to come to know Jesus. You can also access the daily reflections, videos, etc. through the TKC website https://www.thykingdomcome.global/ I rather like the new TKC hymn which arrived in my inbox today, with new words to a familiar tune. You can hear it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRlQZAcLLjg
Sunday Worship and Daily Prayer
Livestreamed Sunday Worship to celebrate the Ascension on 24 May at 10.30 am via the church Facebook page. Daily Prayer on Monday - Saturday at 12.00 noon. The Daily Prayer sheet is attached here and the Sunday Supplement is attached here.
After-Church Coffee and Chat - Sunday 24 May
Coffee and Chat at 11.30 am by Zoom. There are rumours that Zoom broke down in the UK last Sunday because of the number of churches meeting online! Hopefully it will all work this week. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86107373243?pwd=TkFDeVFHZ0RRMlJLTFJ1VitjM013Zz09
Meeting ID: 861 0737 3243 Password: Coffee
Parish Prayer - Sunday 24 May
We postponed last week’s Parish Prayer meeting due to the problems with Zoom. We’ll meet this Sunday evening instead: Sunday 24 May at 6.30 pm. Ian and Heather Richardson will be leading. We aim to pray for about 40 minutes.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82153925515?pwd=OGd2QTYwT3hOSm11N2Juam1ZUm52UT09
Meeting ID: 821 5392 5515 Password: Prayer
Sunday Night Live - Sunday 24 May
Contemporary worship led by James Simister and Hannah Kirk at 8.30 pm, live on the church Facebook page.
Children, Young People and Families
Sarah’s Children's Sunday Talks are on the church YouTube channel, along with the Kidz Klub - Heavyweight Heroics videos. There will be a livestreamed Kidz Klub video on the Facebook page on Tuesday at 6.00 pm followed by a 20 minute games session on Zoom. Sarah and Rory’s Daily Reflections are also on the Facebook page. Thurzday Klub and Thursday Group meet via Zoom.
Notice for All Church Key Holders - from the Church Wardens
We are working towards the restart of Ladybirds nursery at St Andrew’s and are pleased to be able to provide a safe space to support their work in our community but this means being extra vigilant to protect each other. Please note that under C of E guidelines our buildings are still shut so if you need to access them for any reason please contact Ian or the Church Wardens for permission first. We are also required to keep a record of all who access our buildings so you will need to sign in and out. Thank you for your cooperation. Liz and Alison P.
News from the Small Groups
Here is news from the remaining three groups:
From Chris Bell
Many members of the group found themselves eligible to be in the most vulnerable category and are self isolating, including the two members who live alone. Others are caring for elderly parents or neighbours, and some struggle with health issues. As half the group are not technically able to participate in Zoom meetings, we keep in contact by regular phone calls and additional emails, supporting each other as needed. The general mood without exception is amazingly positive and we share a common awareness that the Lord is with us, watching over us and lifting us from the strange circumstances of the present into the peace and joy of His presence.
From Alison Hodgson
Our group has been meeting via Skype. We had a WhatsApp group in place already and would ask for prayer via this when needed and this has continued. We have all felt very supported at this time and it has been a real blessing to be able to continue to meet and pray together each week. A real upside for lockdown for us has meant that we can now all ‘attend’ church services together as they are streamed, which is lovely to do and allows us to discuss the services together in the weekly group. We had been praying for a 5th person to join our group and just prior to lockdown our prayers were answered! Heyin came to one or two ‘real life’ meetings before it all became virtual and it has been lovely to have her with us again. We have had many answers to prayer, personal health, work situations and most recently the safe delivery of a Granddaughter!!
And from me
Like most other groups, we have been communicating by WhatsApp and meeting by Zoom. Marilyn has not been able to join us so far, but she has stayed in touch by telephone. A bonus of lockdown is that Keith (who normally only comes to group socials) has been part of the Zoom meetings. We are well and generally in good heart. The Lord is answering our prayers. We are looking forward to meeting properly again (soon?) and enjoying Jackie and Celia’s home-made biscuits.
Archbishop of York - Farewell Service
The farewell services for Archbishop Sentamu which were planned for 6-7 June will sadly no longer be taking place. However, he will be leading the Church of England’s national streamed service on Sunday 7 June at 9.00 am. You can watch it live on the Church of England Facebook page or the Church of England website, or catch up with it later.
Support for Parents
Family Matters York have let us know about several online courses for parents beginning in June, including separate courses for parents of young children, primary-aged children, teenagers, and for separated parents. They are also offering a course on Handling Anger in the Family. All via Zoom. Details on the Family Matters website at https://fmy.org.uk/parenting/
That's all, folks!
God bless
Ian
