Weekly News - 7th August 2022

This weekend’s Bible readings:

Amos 5:21-24 (p 920); Galatians 4:8-20 (p 1170).

Mexico 2022:

Tomorrow, six of our young people will set off for Mexico, with a much larger group of young people from groups in the UK with which Red Balloon is associated. This trip was originally planned for 2020, but had to be postponed because of Covid. In partnership with Amor Ministries’ (Urban Saints) Rebuild programme, they will be helping to build simple houses for people living in poverty in Mexico, who otherwise would never have the chance to have their own home. The families who will benefit are nominated by their local churches, and our young people will be involved in work with local children as well as the physical building work. Their sleeping accommodation will be on a secure site, and each building team will meet with other volunteers for discussions and activities in the evenings. Please pray for them and for their leaders as they undertake this life-changing challenge.

HELPERS NEEDED, PLEASE!

Please consider the next two pleas. It’s so much easier not to have to tap on shoulders, but if no-one steps forward, that’s what we will be doing!

Holiday Bible Club 29th August – 1st September:

Preparations are advancing for this year’s HBC in St Mary’s. Posters are up and children are signing up. Please publicise it to any children you know; there are fliers in our churches. We are looking for helpers, please! The club will run from 10.00 until 2.30 each day. If you can volunteer for some or all of the time, please speak to Caroline or Lizzy, or email [email protected].

Mums and Toddlers group:

We are planning to start a Mum’s and Toddlers group in September on Fridays from 9.30 until 11 in St. Mary’s. We need volunteers to serve tea, make cakes, tell stories and possibly help with set up and clear down. Red Balloon will be leading. Please see John if you can help.

Holy communion – changes to our practice:

Our PCCs decided at their recent meeting that we will start to come to the rail for communion once more, and that we will offer wine from the common chalice as well as intincted wafers. The way this will work will be explained in our services, and we will make sure that there is opportunity to take communion in a way that is comfortable for you. We do remind you, though, that it’s not permitted to intinct (dip) your own wafer in the chalice.

Men’s Group:

The men’s group is recruiting! If anyone (male!) would like to join us on a Wednesday evening, at 7.30, you are most welcome. At present we are meeting at the Star in Standon, although the venue varies. We have fellowship, bible study, prayer and a beer. What’s not to like? See John if you are interested.

Choir singing at Winchester Cathedral:

Our choir will be leading the worship at Winchester Cathedral from Thursday 18th August to Sunday 21st August. This is a tremendous privilege and opportunity to witness to many through the offering of music in worship. Please pray for them. The services will be:

Evensong at 5.30pm (Thursday, Friday and Saturday)

Eucharist at 11am and Evensong at 3.30pm (Sunday). If you are in the area on holiday or fancy a day trip then do come and support them. All services should be broadcast live on the Winchester Cathedral website. https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/worship/live-streaming/

On Sunday 28th August at 6.30pm in St Mary's there will be a Come and Sing Evensong when our own choir will be joined by singers from other local choirs. Music will include Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. Do come and support this special service if you can.

Sunday lunch:

Our next Sunday lunch at the Star will be on Sunday 28th August. Numbers are limited this month so please book early. Please contact Heather 07909 065550.

Knit & Natter group:

There is no meeting in August. The next one is on 8th September 2022. If you like knitting or crocheting, come and join us for a couple of hours in the Sargent room (at the back of Standon village hall) at 2pm usually on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Tea & cakes will be available. For more information please contact Diane on 01920 821130 or Marion on 01920 745683.

Website:

Our benefice website is on the www.achurchnearyou.com platform. The benefice page is: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7825/benefice. Please visit it to see the range of information there.

Services for the next few weeks

Midweek services each week:

Tuesdays, 9.30am Holy Communion (BCP), St Catherine's

Wednesdays, 9.30am Morning Worship & Bible study, St Mary's

Sunday services:

Sunday 7th August 8.00am Holy Communion, St Mary's

10.30am Morning Worship, All Saints

4.00pm The Centre, All Saints

Sunday 14th August 10.30am Holy Communion, St Mary's

4.00pm The Centre, All Saints

Sunday 21st August 8.00am Holy Communion, St Mary's

10.30am Holy Communion, All Saints

4.00pm The Centre, All Saints

28th August 10.30am Morning Worship, St Mary's

4.00pm The Centre, All Saints

6.30pm 'Come and sing' evensong, St Mary's

4th September 8.00am Holy Communion, St Mary's

10.30am Morning Worship, All Saints

4.00pm The Centre, All Saints