Weekly Bulletin - 30th Jan
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 - David 4/14; Sleeping with the enemy
9am Communion service at St A's
10.30am All Age Service St A's
6pm Encounter Service at St A's
To find out what's happening during the week click here to view our full church calendar.
News and Notices
Churchdown Zero – Special Date
Please note that Churchdown Zero will meet at church on Sunday 15th February, instead of the usual second Sunday (8th February).
Praying for Schools – Monday 9th February
Join us in praying for schools from 8–9pm on Monday 9th February via Zoom, from the comfort of your own home.
Prayer focus: "When schools get the call – Inspections"
For more information, please contact Rachael Champness.
Join Zoom Meeting: Click here to join
Meeting ID: 899 3104 7223 | Passcode: 008928
Explorations – New 13-Week Course
A new course called Explorations begins Thursday 12th February, organised by our youth pastor and interns in conjunction with Dan Button and GTS.
The course will explore a variety of topics in theology and faith over 13 weeks, taking place Thursday mornings, 9:30–11:30am, in the loft.
They would like to open the course up for a few additional participants. If you are interested, please contact Jamie, Dan Button, one of the interns, or email: info@gtstheology.org.
Saturday Craft Sessions for Women at St Andrew's
Over the last 10 years we have run Saturday morning craft sessions for women twice a term. This has been a lovely and effective ministry, often with church members inviting non-church friends.
To continue, a new team is needed to lead, pray, and support this work. We are looking for women who:
Are members of St Andrew's Church
Have an active interest in crafting
Have a heart for women's ministry
Please contact Liz Robertson to discuss how you might be part of this ministry:
📞 07815 101925 | ✉️ lizrobertson7991@gmail.com
Liz will also be available to chat after the 10:30am service on Sunday 8 February.
Lent Course for All Connect Groups – Foundations of Our Faith
A five-week Lent course hosted by Dan Button (GTS).
This course explores the ancient origins of Lent as a season of fasting and spiritual formation, particularly for new disciples preparing for baptism at Easter.
All Connect Groups are invited to attend instead of their usual gatherings, and anyone else is very welcome to join.
When: Wednesdays, 7:30–9:00pm (refreshments from 7:15pm)
Where: St Andrew's Church
Dates: Wednesday 25 February – Wednesday 25 March (5 weeks)
Church Dreaming and Discerning Evening
When: Sunday 1 March, 6–8pm
We'd love the whole church to join us as we share, pray, and give thanks to the Lord together. This evening will outline some developing thoughts about planning for the future, including time in groups to discuss our Mission, Values, and Vision.
This event forms part of a year-long discernment process during 2026involving the Senior Leadership Team, PCC, and staff.
Women's Day 2026
When: Saturday 7 March 2026
Theme: Living Waters
We are delighted to welcome Becky Harcourt, who leads a church in London, is part of the SOMA National Leadership Team, and is an Open Doors Ambassador. Women's Day will focus on God's Spirit as our Living Water.
Tickets are available here.
Safeguarding Update
Corinne is standing down as Parish Safeguarding Officer after three years. We thank her for the expertise and work she has brought to the role.
In the interim, the Safeguarding team is in good hands with John, Jamie and Kate (for under-18s), with Sue Francis and Debi Parry providing administrative support. The Wardens will assume safeguarding responsibility until a replacement Parish Safeguarding Officer is appointed.
The safeguarding@stastb.church email remains the contact for queries or issues. Please pray for a replacement Parish Safeguarding Officer, and speak to the Vicar if you would like to discuss the role.
Flower Team – Volunteers Welcome
Do you have a love of flowers, arranging them, or growing them?
Our flowers are arranged by a small team, and we would love your help—whether just at busy times like Easter or Christmas, or working alongside an existing member.
There are many ways to get involved, and all are welcome. Please contact Mary White via the church office for more info.
New 31-Day Study – Are You Sure?
Written by Johnny Perkin, this short 31-day study reflects on Romans chapter 8.
Described as a "mountain climb to assurance", it guides readers through doubts, fears, and tricky life issues on the way to the Summit.
Copies are available from David and Tracey Fisher for £5.
Denise Wang – Ordination & House Cooling Party
Stephen and Denise Wang share updates on Denise's ordination journey:
Ordination: Sunday 28th June 2026 at Gloucester Cathedral – all welcome
House Cooling Party: Saturday 13th June, 6–10pm at 7 Alexandra Road, Gloucester, GL1 3DR
Denise will begin her curacy with Rev Jay Niblett in the RiverVale Churches(Welford, Weston, Quinton, Long Marston, and Meon Vale).
RSVP / Questions: Denise via WhatsApp: 07400 056206
New Wine Festival 2026
When: 28 July – 2 August 2026
New Wine is a wonderful time of worship, teaching, and community for all ages—whether you're looking to grow in your faith, be inspired by gifted speakers, enjoy vibrant worship, or give your children and youth space to encounter God.
Beyond the main sessions, it's also a chance to relax, share meals, and deepen friendships within our church family.
Book directly: New Wine Festival
Join the St Andrew's New Wine WhatsApp group: Contact Caroline Lewton via the church office.
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:717 8863 5477 Passcode: STAPRAYER
Green Tips
10.7 million tonnes of food is wasted each year, 60% of which is from households (source: WRAP). Reduce your food waste by using leftovers, stored well and put the inedible food in the food waste bin (or compost).
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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.