Notices for 28th February 2021     Second Sunday in Lent Hello Everyone, I wonder whether you were delighted or disappointed by the Prime Minister’s announcement last Monday? The Bishop of London who is leading the CofE Recovery Group commented: “As we look ahead to the prospect of easing of restrictions we know it is still a long road. Yet Easter reminds us we always have hope.”   And our Archdeacons have written: “As we await specific clarification of the Roadmap guidance we thank you for continuing to exercise extreme caution in your decision making and for your rigorous adherence to your Risk Assessments.” With this in mind the PCC meets again on Thursday to consider whether Easter Sunday could be the right time for us to re-start services in church again. As well as Covid restrictions we also have to bear in mind the building work. This is still on schedule but we can not use the South Door which is the only one with flat access. We have great news from St Laurence CofE Junior School. The new Headteacher is to be Mr Andrew Murphy and he will join the school after Easter. He has been acting Headteacher at a Primary school in the region. I was involved in the appointment process and he had strong competition. He did particularly well in leading Collective Worship. We are hugely grateful to Mrs Karla Mulrain who has been acting Headteacher for nearly two years (with some time back as Deputy when Mrs Lindsay was well enough to be back in school prior to her retirement last summer.) We haven’t organised a Lent Charity Appeal this year but you may wish to consider this appeal by Christian Aid: As more of us receive their COVID vaccinations, let us think about the poorest and most vulnerable communities where people already face a lack of water, food, and healthcare. Christian Aid is already on the ground, helping keep people safe from coronavirus with practical support – but with your gift of thanks we can do more. Please give thanks with a donation to help protect our global neighbours while the vaccine is out of reach. Donate here: https://www.christianaid.org.uk/give/ways-donate/give-thanks-your-coronavirus-vaccine Churches Together in Northfield Lent Groups started last week using the book ‘At home in Lent’ which we really are this year! You don’t need a copy of the book to take part. Each session is complete in itself so not too late to join a group. There will be zoom-groups on Mondays at 3.30pm and Tuesdays at 7pm and Thursdays at 11am. They will last 40 -60 mins. Thursday Bible Studies continue as usual at 4pm for 45 mins. Links below. On Monday, at 8pm, there is an hour of ecumenical prayer for Northfield via Zoom – see below We’re half-way through Fairtrade Fortnight. More about this and how to order Fairtrade Easter Eggs available to order (deadline next Sunday) in the Community News Pages How did you get on with last week’s Eco Tip which was “next time you make a cup of tea or coffee, only fill the kettle with as much water as you need to.” There were a few rather low mugs of coffee at the Rectory until we’d worked out the right level for 2 mugs. This week…. keep a jug by the kettle and if (when!) you’ve overfilled, pour out the surplus before boilng and save until next time or use to water a plant. More ideas in the Community News Pages Send ideas to Revd Theresa. As the evenings become lighter ‘45minutes of fun at 4.45pm’ is becoming monthly; next one Saturday 20th March. Fr David reports in about ‘St Laurence Safe Spaces’ Fancy not acting your age and being young at heart again?  St Laurence Safe Spaces is an after school club for children of secondary school age and designed to provide protection from the danger of knife crime.  We have raised £7,570 and hope to start by the Summer Term, sooner if possible (and it looks like it could be!)  We will meet on Thursdays in term time from 3.15 pm to no later than 5.15 pm.  To start we need further volunteer Youth Leaders (2 or 3) and Assistant Youth Leaders (2 or 3) to supplement the existing 5 volunteers.  Without more volunteers it will not be possible to start.  If you would like to volunteer or to know more about what is involved please contact me, Fr David or Revd Theresa and/or come to the next planning meeting on Saturday 13 March at 3pm via Zoom. Following Claire’s thought-provoking sermon for Racial Justice Sunday, here are a few books recommended by members of the church for you to enjoy https://www.stlaurencenorthfield.org/uploads/6/4/4/1/6441792/racial_justice_sunday_reading_list.pdf People have been getting up to all sorts of things in lockdown. As well as helping us enormously with production of Rise and Shine and our Carol Service Alan Green and his wife Kelly have written a book for young children aged 2-8 “A Mole in a Bowl.” Naughty mole steals everyone’s food before they have a chance to finish it. You can pre-order online (£7.99 +£1.60 postage) and, if you are one of the first one hundred ordering, you can dedicate a name inside the front cover. They will then send you the book to enjoy and treasure as a keepsake: https://bit.ly/3cSoGYl 100-Club  Prize for January and February  were drawn on Tues 23 Feb at the coffee morning meeting via Zoom. Jeff Carr has notified and congratulated the winners. January first prize Chris Michael £20 number 101; second prize Theresa Morton (husband Roger) £15 number 85; third prize Steve Wright £10 number 16.  February first prize Sandra Colwell £20 number 19; second prize Bob Mayne £15 number 94; third prize Hilary Maslen £10 number 81. General updates about the 100 Club along with a recording of the prize draw can be seen by clicking the link :- https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nhoqjvek80fr7dp/AABLhEOGohljG0lVOnstZNzEa?dl=0 The Mothers’ Union Online shop now has over 400 products including a new range of Easter and Mothering Sunday cards and gifts. Click here mueshop.org  We have started to gather our reports for the Annual Meeting and we are planning to share them one at a time so look below to see the one from the ‘Handbell ringers.’ Chris Andrew will speak briefly about their activities in the notice section of the service on Sunday. Last week some thought our theme for our montages was ‘Desserts’ and were rather surprised to see pictures of sand dunes but hopefully their sweet tooth will be satisfied this week with montages of ‘Temptation’ The gnome is currently still in recovery! Next week the OT reading is the ‘Ten Commandments’ so the theme is ‘Laws or Law’ Send in a pdf or photo - ideally landscape - to  peterm435@gmail.com with the topic in the subject line by 4pm Thursday. Blessings Can Jan Handbell ringers 2020 began well with the ringers enjoying regular weekly practices and looking forward to playing in church on Easter Sunday. Lockdown began and our practices had to be suspended. In July, we all met up for tea in the Rector’s garden and began to plan how we could restart handbell ringing safely. Unfortunately, this has not been possible. So we keep in touch with each other and hope to come back with renewed enthusiasm in 2021. Fingers crossed! Chris Andrew For your Prayers Those who are ill Mike Cross (and Rosie his wife): Mike is still in the QE undergoing various tests Pat Turner: gradually recovering from arm surgery following her fall from her bike in the summer. Vicki Reeves: in a lot of pain Revd Canon John Barnett and his wife Janice: Janice had a lumpectomy recently and John is being treated for myeloma (cancer of the blood) Peter Valentine: father of one of our brides-to-be currently in hospital Those who have died Sue Evans: former parish Secretary, funeral Wednesday 11 March at Church of the Ascension Jane Downes: mother of Steve Wright who attends Grid Iron, funeral Wed 3 March in church Dorothy Day: mother of Julie Meadows, funeral Wednesday 11 March Mary Vernon: mother-in-law of Sarah Vernon John Jevons: funeral in church, Wednesday 17 March Community and Covid News  This can now be found in the ‘Covid and Community’ Section of our web-site. Click here to go the section and it is the top item https://www.stlaurencenorthfield.org/community_coronavirus.html The page has been updated this week to include: For over 50’s - the new Age Concern has launched a shopping service for over 50’s. Households with children under 18 – financial help for those struggling with food bills, debt, home education (including ‘data allowance’ and equipment) or mental wellbeing LENT GROUPS Monday 3.30pm With Fr David Pycock https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2925735002 Meeting ID: 292 573 5002 You can phone in, using the normal numbers (see below) 7pm Tuesday With Marianne Melville and Revd Theresa Morton https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82824583801 Meeting ID:  82824583801 passcode 12345 You can phone in, using the normal numbers but you will need the passcode above as well as the Meeting ID Thursday 11:00 am With Colin Capell https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89222038417 Zoom meeting ID:  89222038417 Passcode: 5fMMDa Phone access is NOT possible for this group SERVICES AND MEETINGS THIS WEEK Saturday 10am – 11am cPrivate Prayer 45 mins of fun resumes on 20th March Entrance is at 10 min intervals via the vestry door and needs to be pre-booked. Phone Revd Theresa by 6pm Thursday please. Please be on time. Sunday  8.30am Sunday School Service By zoom and available later on YouTube 9.30am Holy Communion By zoom and zoom-phone and available later on YouTube https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74087847345?pwd=b25mZHdZd0lKVEpFdjZVa1ZTMkNndz09 Meeting ID: 740 8784 7345 Passcode: 112233   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84533030134 Meeting ID: 845 3303 0134 Monday 5pm Evening Prayer 8pm Northfield Prayer Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89992167638 Meeting ID 89992167638 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85893654116?pwd=TDF6c0tmL1FVNHhBMWRQbkFMNnBmdz09  Meeting ID: 858 9365 4116 Passcode: 428124 Tuesday 10am Gridiron ‘Coffee’ 5pm Evening Prayer Contact Stuart & Chris Andrew 0121 628 0425 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89992167638 Meeting ID 89992167638 Wednesday 10am Holy Communion 8.30pm Compline https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81798933169 Meeting ID 81798933169 By Conference Call only 01902 693302 Code 1139 Thursday 4pm – 4.45pm An invitation to look at Sunday’s Readings together 5pm Evening Prayer 7pm PCC Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89992167638 Meeting ID 89992167638 As above Link to be circulated How to Phone in via-Zoom to any of the above (except Wednesday Compline) 1. Enter 141 (to keep your number private) 2. Dial one of these numbers 0203 481 5237 0203 481 5240 0131 460 1196 0203 051 2874 3. Enter the Meeting ID (without any spaces) then # 4. When it asks for your personal ID enter # How to Conference Call Phone 01902 693302 and when asked enter the code 1139 and then say your name. It then takes a few moments before you can hear and be heard. Also - You can Phone a Service 24 hours a day! freephone 0800 804 8044 for Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England. And to hear one of the St Laurence Ministers preaching: 0121 270 4690 These are changed after the services on Sundays and Wednesdays (usually by early evening) Contact Details Parish Office – stlaurence@btconnect.com 0121 475 1518 Currently staffed remotely most of the time Website: www.stlaurencenorthfield.org RECTOR Canon Janet Chapman Day off: Monday janet.rectory@gmail.com ? 0121 477 3111 ASSOCIATE PRIEST Revd David Pycock Day off: Monday david.pycock@blueyonder.co.uk ? 0121 476 3117 ASSISTANT CURATE Revd Theresa Morton Day off: Friday theresa.curate@gmail.com ? 07557472096 READER Janice Wones Day off: Friday janice.wones@talktalk.net ? 0121 459 7417 Prayer requests can be sent to prayer.request.stlaurence@gmail.com They will be shared only with the ministry team. Twitter: @stlaurenceb31 Rector: @janetchapman5 Facebook www.facebook.com/StLaurenceChurchNorthfield YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/stlaurencenorthfield Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility. If you need to contact someone regarding a church safeguarding concern (adults or children), please call our Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator, Rowena Nicholls, on 07724 170448. If you have an urgent concern for the safety of yourself or someone else, call 999. St Laurence Church Northfield is Registered Charity 1132975