Dear friends
Some of you might have heard or read that our churches may soon be open again. This is where the suggestion comes from The House of Bishops’ statement on 5th May 2020 addresses the possibility of “very limited access to church buildings for activities such as streaming of services or private prayer by clergy in their own parishes, so long as the necessary hygiene and social distancing precautions are taken”.
The Bishop of Exeter sent a letter to all clergy on 7th May with more information concerning opening our churches in which he says, ‘As a result of this easing of restrictions, what has recently been taking place in the home, in kitchens, dining rooms or the vicarage study, may now take place once more in church buildings. There is no compulsion to make this move back into church and clergy who wish to continue with their current ‘home based’ format are under no obligation to do so. If you have any questions, then please contact your archdeacon.’
For the time being we will continue as we are presently doing, Reverend Annie continuing her ‘thought for the day’ and Sunday worship on Facebook and Caroline with her daily e-mail. The problems around safe hygiene practices and cleaning routines alongside our concern that everyone should stay safe and ensure social distancing are all part of our thinking. However, having said that, this is an evolving situation and we will review this position whenever there is new guidance from either the Bishop of Exeter or the Archbishop of Canterbury’s office.
Supporting St Andrew’s
St Andrew’s depends on the generous support and financial giving of those who are regular or occasional attendees. In these current times each of our five churches are noticing the drop in income due to the lack of services and collections. The expenses involved in maintaining our buildings and contributing towards the wider team ministry and the work of the Diocese of Exeter continue, however. Locally and nationally, the Church of England receives no state funding so we would be grateful if you would consider and continue your financial giving in this period. There are several different ways you can give – the two most efficient ways are by BACS or Standing Order from your bank account.
To make donations by BACS or Standing Order please contact:
Gwynne Sullivan on 01626 873165
National Phoneline
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has launched a free national phone line as a simple new way to bring worship and prayer into people’s homes while church buildings are closed because of the coronavirus. Daily Hope, which is now available, offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.
The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.
Although the building may be closed St Andrew’s church is still very much open for business: online and on the phone.
During this period of ‘lock down’ Reverend Annie is doing a live ‘thought for the Day’ on Facebook which anyone can access. As we pause for prayer at midday, the live broadcast starts around 12.05pm every day. There is also a short service of worship at 11am on Sundays which follows the service from Exeter Cathedral beginning at 10.00am. Please do join in whatever you can, we are in this together and our fellowship is so important.
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Lord Jesus Christ, you taught us to love our neighbour, and to care for those in need as if we were caring for you. In this time of anxiety, give us strength to comfort the fearful, to tend the sick, and to assure the isolated of our love, and your love, for your name’s sake. Amen.
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Reverend Annie is also available to anyone who wishes to talk on the telephone, her number is 01626 873173. She is available to all to answer any questions or to discuss bereavement or any other subjects appropriate to individuals.
As you will all know very sadly the church is closed.
Church Closure
It is with great sadness that we have had to close the doors of our churches.
Please do remember that ‘The Church’ is the people and not the building and you can pray wherever you are.
We ask that we all pause together at midday and offer a short prayer to God for every aspect of this global situation, sometimes this is all we can do. We, in the church, will continue to pray for everyone.
If you would like pastoral care, or simply conversation, please do contact Reverend Annie Church on 01626 873173 or revannie@hotmail.co.uk and she will be very happy to speak with you.
God bless you – stay safe.
Mothering Sunday
The orders of service pre- coronovirus cancellation are in church so please do take one, along with a posy either for yourself or your Mum or Grandmother. If you have a picture of your Mum to add to our board please do so. Also be sure to see the Stokeinteignhead Primary School pupils testaments to their Mothers.
Please click on the above link to open the Mothering Sunday leaflet, printed copies are in the church.
COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS
As you will be aware all services have been suspended however St Andrew’s will still be open by day.
Please see the advice below from the Diocese of Exeter.
Although we cannot hold public services for the time being, churches need to remain open. Indeed, we anticipate that people will want to use them, to light a candle, to pray for loved ones. The Cathedral will be open without charge from 10am to 4pm every day. People are free to meet to pray inside our churches, provided they observe public health guidelines: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/archbishops-call-church-england-become-radically-different-public-worship
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Friday March 6th 11.00
This will be held in St Andrew’s this year. The country compiling the service is Zimbabwe and Rev Caroline Luff will be giving the address. Light refreshments will be served after the service. Do come along and join us.
Christmas Tree Festival: 11th – 13th December 2020
Now is the time to book your tree if you would like to help this event. Sponsors pay £25 per tree which they can then decorate to promote their club, business, organisation etc. For safety reasons we supply the lights. Do phone Gill on 01626 873614 if you would like to be involved.
Thanks to Susan and the team who decorated St Andrew’s so beautifully for Remembrance Sunday
There is a new Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone in the Churchyard for Harold Harry Brimilcombe whose grave had become unmarked following the family headstone falling over. We are very pleased to see this happen and thank the CWGC for undertaking this work. There are 3 World War 1 graves in our Churchyard.
