Weekly Bulletin - 17th Oct
Welcome to our weekly church bulletin, here's what is coming up in the life of St Andrew's and St Bartholomew's!
This Sunday - James 2:1-13
9am Communion service at St A's
10.30am Informal Worship with Children's and Youth Groups at St A's
6pm Encounter Service
To find out what's happening during the week click here to view our full church calendar.
News and Notices
Jars of Sauce Champion
St Andrew's & St Bartholomew's has been asked to collect jars of sauce as part of the Foodbank's Harvest Festival appeal to support Gloucester residents facing financial difficulties.
Collection crates will be in the church centre lobby for the next two weeks. The Foodbank is accepting all brands, flavours, and sizes of sauce that are in date and unopened.
We've been given the challenge to fill five crates – thank you for your support!
Thursday Knitters
Thank you to everyone who supported our church knitting sale. Along with other funds raised, we are sending £1,000.00to the Gloucester Foodbank.
Churchdown Zero – This Week! Sunday 19th October 2025
Our next Churchdown Zero event will take place this week, Sunday 19th October 2025.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Operation Christmas Child – Shoebox Appeal
Make a real difference to a child's life this Christmas by supporting the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal.
You're not just sending a shoebox of gifts to delight a child in need, but a powerful message of love, hope, and the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Boxes of toys and gifts are available to sponsor for £20, which includes the £5 shipping fee. Purchase boxes via ChurchSuite.
Light Party – The Greatest Ghost Story Told
Open to children aged 3–11 (parents/guardians must stay). This year's theme is "The Greatest Ghost Story Told."
Come dressed as a character from your favourite story or in something bright and sparkly. Dinner is included!
Cost: £3.50 per child, or £7.50 for families of 3 or more.
Date & Time: Thursday 31st October 2025, 4:30–6:30pm
"Take courage! It's me. Don't be afraid." Matthew 14:27
[Sign up and get tickets here]
Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Course
The next Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Course begins on Tuesday 4th November 2025, 7.00–8.30pm in the Lounge at St Andrew's.
Running for 12 weeks (with a break over Christmas and New Year), the course will explore topics such as Anxiety, Disappointment & Loss, Resilience, and Forgiveness in an informal, safe, and supportive setting.
Cost: £10 (includes a Wellbeing Journal and light refreshments)
To find out more or register your interest, please email Judy Strawson at judystrawson@googlemail.com.
Mental Health Awareness Morning Workshop
You're invited to our Mental Health Awareness Morning Workshop, a space to explore what mental health really means for all of us.
We'll talk about what good and poor mental health can look like, share practical coping strategies, and discuss how to look after ourselves and those around us.
Date & Time: Saturday 1st November 2025, 9.30am – 12noon
The Friends of St Bartholomew's – Christmas Coffee Morning
Join us on Tuesday 18th November 2025, 10.30am – 12pm at St Andrew's Church Centre for our festive Christmas Coffee Morning.
Enjoy cakes, Christmas cards, a raffle, and bric-a-brac.
Tickets: £2 (includes coffee and a mince pie) – available from the Church Office, Committee Members, or on the door.
Women's Breakfast – Saturday 15th November
Join us at 9:00am for a Women's Breakfast, where we'll enjoy food together followed by a short talk.
Breakfast options include cooked bacon or egg rolls, with continental options also available.
Men's Breakfast – Saturday 29th November
All men are invited to the next Men's Breakfast, to be held on Saturday 29th November 2025.
We'll be welcoming Ian Davies, who has worked in various Christian outreach organisations for many years. Ian is a researcher and writer, and will be speaking about supporting and learning from those who suffer religious persecution.
Please arrive from 8.30am; breakfast will begin at 8.45am.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Alpha Course – Starting Thursday 15th January 2026
Alpha is for anyone who's curious about life's big questions — why am I here, where am I going, what's my purpose?
The nine-week course meets on Thursday evenings at St Andrew's Church, 7:30–9:30pm (video until 8.30pm, then small group discussion). There's a break for school half term, and sessions are friendly, fun, and informal.
Sign up via the link. Questions? Email alpha@stastb.church.
Big Bible Giveaway
This Christmas, alongside our parish Christmas Card delivery, we're hoping to give an NIV New Testament to every home in our parish.
Each Bible costs just £1.28, and every donation helps — whether it's 5, 10, or 100 Bibles. You can donate via ChurchSuite or contact the church office directly.
Please also pray that God will prepare hearts to receive His Word, and consider helping with deliveries in late November.
If you would like to include any updates in the weekly bulletin, send them to Adam. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday at 1pm.
Giving at St Andrew's and St Bartholomew's
Generous giving is an integral part of Christian discipleship. The apostle Paul says that giving is a primary responsibility for Christians: 'But since you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you – see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Cor 8:7. For more information on how to give and where your money goes please download our giving flyer here.
Please click here to make a one-off donation or set up a direct debit.
Pastoral Care
As part of our Christian community, we provide mutual support for one another. Much of this happens informally with friends within the church and through the connect groups. However, sometimes people will require more personal support and encouragement either as a 'one-off chat' or on a more ongoing basis. We have a pastoral care team who can provide this type of care. Please contact Nigel Roe (Team Leader) on 07780 994827 or Rosi White on 07426 357967.
Weekly Prayer Zoom Details
Every Thursday
7.30pm Zoom Prayer
Meeting ID:726 2837 5971 Passcode: STAPRAYER
Or click here
Green Tips
Don't be afraid to leave dead flower heads in your garden; these can provide homes for insects and food for birds over the winter.
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Contact us
St Andrew's Church Centre, Station Road, Churchdown, Gloucester, GL3 2JT
www.stastb.church
01452 712154
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Closed Tuesday 9.30am - 11.30am
Click here to get in touch with someone in the team.