Welcome to St Andrew's Church Congresbury
Please click on the 'Weekly services' link to find details of Sunday and Weekday services coming up shortly. Whether you are just visiting the area or would like to find out more about your local Christian community you are very welcome to come to any of the services advertised.
Go to the 'People' page to find details of the Church leadership and individual contact details.
If you have any other specific enquiry go to the 'Church Office' page for contact details or email the Office via the 'contact us' page.
St. Andrew's Church Annual Church meeting
The Annual Church Meeting was held on Wednesday 22nd May, 7.30pm in Church. About 55 members of the church attended. Isy North and Graham Preston were re-elected as churchwardens and Dave Miles and Martin West as Deputy wardens. There was one vacancy on the PCC and Liz Morton was elected.
“Reading the Bible Together.”As part of our commitment to explore ‘everyday discipleship,’ reading the Bible together seems a really good place to start. Whether you’ve read the Scriptures through many times before or whether you have always felt daunted by the task, can I encourage as many as possible to consider making 2009 a milestone when you/we began this most amazing journey together.
To view or download the accompanying notes and maps, or to find details of how to get connected to the associated...
Bible Reading BLOG
...click on this link for the Bible studies page and link to the BLOG
Cafe Church
(third Saturday of every month 10am - 12noon)
(NB none in August)
On the third Saturday of every month, St. Andrew’s Church Café will be open for coffee and buns.
Other things available will include Traidcraft and Christian Book Stalls, surplus fruit and vegetable share, Fairtrade Coffee and Cakes.
Among a variety of activities offered at this time, there will be a small group ‘Question and Answer Session’ in the Chancel of the Church. Just come along and ask those questions – you know you’ve been longing to!
Have you got burning questions that you want to ask about the Christian faith but have never dared to ask them? This could be for you!
There will also be people available to talk to or to pray with if you would like this.
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Pastoral care and services
We currently offer support for:
Follow this link for web site offering some ideas for prayer
Help NeededDo you love people and have three hours free on Thursday mornings?
If you can answer 'yes' - you are just the person we are looking for!
Due to the popularity of St. Andrew's Church Toddler Drop-in we need two more special people to join our friendly team of volunteers on Thursday mornings. If you would like to be one of them, please contact the Church Office. It could be the best call you make today!
Vine Counselling Services
(Charity: 1117796)
- covering the areas of Banwell,Churchill,Congresbury,Langford, Sandford,Winscombe, Wrington and Yatton
‘We believe Christ seeks to meet all people at their point of need, and to help people grow into wholeness’
NEWSLETTER
Please read or download the latest Newsletter
A Prayer for Vine Counselling Services
"Dear Lord
We ask you to bless, support and equip all who have given so much of their time, energy, dedication and gifts in so many differing ways so far to Vine Counselling Services.
Enable us all to take the next step into being, protect and guide us so that the project can play its own unique part, alongside the work of others, to bring your compassion, love and healing to all who seek to find rest under the canopy of its branches.
And may the project be but one expression of your continuing desire to bring healing and wholeness to our wider community, not just to people ‘out there’ but also as a living and challenging call to all your people for that same healing and compassion to be at work in our own lives, both individually and as your whole Church, so that we too, in due season, may be made whole and holy as you yourself are in love and glory Father Son and Holy Spirit. Amen"
Project Manager, Vine Counselling Services
c/o The Refectory, St Andrew’s Church, Station Road, Congresbury, BS49 5DX.
Telephone 01934 876377
Vine Counselling is an Euchmenical Local Ministry Group project and is run independently of St Andrew's Church
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Weekly services
Wednesday MorningsOn the first Wednesday of the month,there will be a 'Home Group' in Church starting at 9am.
This will be followed by Coffee at 9.40am and then the Midweek Holy Communion will start at 10am.
The service on other Wednesdays will remain at 9.00am
5th July4th Sunday of Trinity| 8:00am | 1662 Holy Communion | Rev Matthew Thomson |
| 10:30am | Holy Communion | Rev Matthew Thomson |
| 6:30pm | Family Service and Farewell to Vanessa
| Rev Vanessa Cole |
Sunday Services during the coming weeks...Sunday 12th July - 5th Sunday after Trinity
8:00am - 1662 Holy Communion - Rev Matthew Thomson
10:30am - Morning Worship - Rev Matthew Thomson
6:30pm - Holy Communion - Rev Matthew Thomson
Sunday 19th July - 6th Sunday after Trinity
8:00am - 1662 Holy Communion - Kay Friend
10:30am - Holy Communion - Kay Friend
6:30pm -
Sunday 26th July - 7th Sunday after Trinity
8:00am - 1662 Holy Communion - Rev Matthew Thomson
10:30am - Morning Worship - Rev Matthew Thomson
6:30pm - Holy Communion - Rev Matthew Thomson
Sunday 2nd August - 8th Sunday after Trinity
8.00am - 1662 Holy Communion - Rev Matthew Thomson
10.30am - Holy Communion - Rev Matthew Thomson
4.00 pm - Family Service followed by tea
FamiliesFamilies with very young children are very welcome at any service. If during the service you need to feed, change or entertain your child, the vestry at the back of the church has changing facilities, a comfy chair for feeding and toddler toys available for your use.
You are warmly welcome to stay for refreshments after the 10:30 Sunday morning service and wednesday morning Communion.An opportunity for personal prayer is available during Communion, and after services, in the Merle Chapel. There will be someone available to pray with you either for yourself or for others and will be fully confidential.
There is also a prayer book in the Merle Chapel for use by anyone. These prayers are read and used during the week in the Daily Prayer time.
Help for transport to ChurchDo you have a spare seat in your car if you drive to Church on Sunday or Wednesday?
If you do, could you possibly offer a lift to someone who is unable to get to Church because of lack of transport?
If you would like to help to do this, please phone Karen Bailey(01934 852103)
Our Normal Pattern of Sunday ServicesFamily Service1st SundayFirst Sunday in the month in the Afternoon (4.00pm Simple Children’s Tea Party at the back of the Church followed by 4.30pm Service) The aim is to provide a simple service, open to all, with a focus for the under 10’s. Anyone willing to be involved and to help please speak to Rosemary, Karen or myself.
Sunday Morning Worship at 10.30am:This will now follow a pattern of alternating between a Communion Service (1st & 3rd & 5th) and a Morning Worship Service (2nd & 4th) providing the opportunity to explore the Bible readings in a bit more depth or to welcome guest speakers.
Sunday School at 10:30amWe are very fortunate to have a really committed group of Sunday School Teachers and they will provide a Sunday School for three out of the four Sundays a month. On the first Sunday there will be a Christian Video Club during the Sermon. The Video Club will also operate during School Holidays.
Sunday 1662 Holy Communion at 8:00amEvery SundayMaintaining and sharing in the richness and the beauty of the traditional language.
Sunday Evening Communion Services at 6.30pm2nd and 4th SundaysThese are becoming more informal and more like a ‘homegroup’ in its style. Rather than a sermon as such we tend to look at the Bible reading together, sharing our thoughts and our questions. A great service especially if you don’t get a chance to go to a ‘homegroup’ mid-week.
Compline at 6:30pm
5th SundayA simple, gentle service traditionally shared at the ending of the day.
Praise and Celebration Service at 6.30pm3rd SundayAn opportunity to sing and worship in a more informal style.
Midweek Services.Monday - 9.00am - Daily Prayer
Tuesday - 9.00am - Daily Prayer
Wednesday - 9.00am - Holy Communion followed by Coffee
Wednesday - 7.00pm - Holy Communion
Thursday - 9.00am – Daily Prayer
Friday - 9.00am - Daily Prayer
On special occasions and festivals the format of services may differ, details can be found in the events section.
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Church groups
See below for details of all the Church's adult, youth and toddler groups:
Welcome to St Andrew’s Homegroup Programme.
Homegroups are a great opportunity to meet together in friendship and learn from each other. Maybe you have questions that you would like to discuss further, maybe you can help provide answers for other people’s questions.
Below are details of when and where the homegroups meet. If you don’t currently belong to a homegroup but would like to, please call Kay Friend on 01934 838185 to find out more or contact the Group leaders direct.
Mondays 8pm
Cherida & Ian Stobart
01934 833126
Tuesdays 8pm:-
Jan Martin - 01934 838964
Barry & Joan Hogarth 01934 833722
Wednesday 2pm:-
Enid Myram - 01934 833126
Or contact the Church Office for further details.
Youth and Children’s Work
Sunday Mornings - “Explorer’s I, II”
Sunday School: Explorers I and II
Sunday mornings at 10.30am see the children and young people involved in the life of the Church. They are a vital part of our Church family and as such they join us for the beginning and end of the services, leaving to have their own teaching during the middle.
They learn about the Christian faith and the Bible, using a wide variety of crafts and activities – we have a very creative team of leaders! Music, games and the inevitable crafts bring to life Bible stories and teach key themes. They rarely leave without something to take home!
There is no Sunday School on the first Sunday of the month, but the children go out to watch a DVD, and there is a Family Service at 4pm on that afternoon. There is also no Sunday School during the school holidays
Friday Evenings - “Rock Solid” and "StAnd Firm"
We have two Youth Clubs for secondary school age kids. Rock Solid, is for yr 7 to yr 9, and St.And Firm, as it’s now been renamed, is for yr 10 upwards. They play a vital role in the youth work of our church.
The young people enjoy a packed programme of fun, games and Christian teaching on a Friday night, Rock Solid running from 6.30-8.15pm and St.And Firm from 7.45-9.30pm, the two groups overlapping for tuck time.
Youth For Christ (YFC) supply all the material and we choose which parts to follow. The evening is mostly made up of group games often played in teams. These are very interactive, fast-paced and sometimes messy! Needless to say the kids love them!
It’s not just about fun, however, as each game is meant to draw out a specific point or theme for the evening, which is based on sound biblical and moral teaching.
During the evening we have a very popular ‘Tuck Shop’ selling sweets and juice, which gives the kids (and adults!) a breather and time to hang out together.
All in all, they have a great time and let off some steam after a long week of school, see their friends and hear about God in the process… and it works as they keep coming back for more!
The leaders also regularly organise fun evenings as well as trips and excursions. These vary from ice-skating, ten-pin bowling, to crazy film nights in the Refectory. Each club night begins at 7pm and finishes at 9pm.
‘Rock Solid is proud of its Christian routes and always aims to create a loving, caring, Christian environment, with an adult team who are committed to the young people’s safety and well-being.
If you would like any more information about the youth and children’s work at St Andrew’s, please feel free to contact
Andy or Becky Stevens, our youth and Children’s workers on (01934) 833126.
Outlook
Monday afternoons, 2nd Monday of month
Venue – The Refectory unless otherwise stated
Time – 2.30 – 4.15pm
For those 50 years and upwards. Outlook meets for fellowship and fun, with guest speakers and occasional local outings. For those who find it difficult to get about, transport courtesy of ‘Bluey’ is available.
Meetings are from 2.30pm - 4.15 unless otherwise stated.
Go to the events page for currently planned meetings.
Phone Barbara Patterson (838164) or Monica White on 833850 for transport or for more information.
Men's night out
Meet in the Plough Inn, Congresbury for a pint and a chat, last Thursday of the month from 8.00pm. More details from Matt on 01934 833126
Girls' Night In
Calling all Ladies of the Church !!!
Girl's Night in is branching out !!
2008 - 2009
Please join us for our new programme of nights out and nights in...
Wednesday Evenings once a month!!
May 21st- Fish and chip supper on Weston beach- bus there and back. Bad weather plan - quiz night at the Vicarage.
June 18th -Skittles Rec club 7.30pm.
July 23rd- BBQ at Julies House – Bring meat/veggie and a bottle.
September 24th -Croquet @ the Vicarage
October 29th -Recipe Night at Carol’s house (19 Cobthorn Way)– bring a dish to share and its recipe.
November 26th -Cinema Night at the Vicarage. Popcorn provided.
December 10th -Meal out for Xmas- Soustas Menu and deposit to be confirmed in September.
January 28th- Chocolate night in at Becky Dowling’s house (17 Stonewell Grove) bring your leftover Christmas chocolates.
February 25th- Games night at the Vicarage - quiz, bingo, cards etc – bring a prize.
March 25th- Out for meal– Squires
April 29th- Planning evening in at the Vicarage.
Any nights ‘in’ start at 8pm and bring a bottle of your chosen drink!!
For Details of each event see Pew News OR
phone/e-mail Carol on 01934 838172 carol@mottlot.co.uk
Toddler Drop-In
For all parents and carers of children under three years old... St. Andrew’s Church Toddler Drop-in
Thursday mornings (term time)
between
9.15 and 11.45am
In
St Andrew’s Church - Refectory
This is a Toddler Group with a difference and will allow you to have some time enjoying activities with other adults (while the children are care for in a creche), as well as time with the children and will include a short time for Christian prayer and songs suitable for the under-threes. The Drop-in is a member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance and admission is free.
For more information or to book a place phone 01934 852103 (Wed evening 6:00 - 10:00pm) (or contact the Church Office - 01934 833126)
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How to find us
How to find us
Congresbury is a village of about 3500 inhabitants. It is situated in the County of North Somerset approximately 14 miles SW of Bristol, 10 miles east of Weston-Super-Mare, and about 6 miles from the M5 motorway.
The Church is situated at the top of Church Drive, a small turning off the A370 road in the village
The parish also includes the small communities of Puxton and Hewish, which lies a few miles down the A370 towards Weston-Super-Mare. These are now joint parishes with Congresbury and our incumbent has the additional responsibility for these populations, which number some 350 souls. There is still a small Church at Puxton, a grade 1 listed building, which is now in the hands of the Churches Conservation Trust.
The address of the Church office is:-
The Church Office,
St. Andrew’s Church,
Station Road,
Congresbury,
BS49 5DX
The Church Office is to be found, adjacent to the car park at the top of the Church drive, in the North West corner of the Churchyard.
email: admin.standrews@tiscali.co.uk
telephone: 01934 833126
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Church Office
The Church Office is located in the restored 'Stable Block' which is situated at the top of Church Drive, adjacent to the car park, in the NW corner of the churchyard.
The main office is normally manned from 9am to 5pm on weekdays by the Church administrator Rosemary West, and Karen Scully who is Matthew's PA.
Please note that the Church Office will only be open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during August
Office telephone:01934 833126,(outside UK: +44 1934 833126) or email the Church Office
The full postal address is:
St Andrew's Church
Church Office
Station Road
Congresbury
Somerset
BS49 5DX
The Office deals with all initial enquiries for Weddings Baptisms and Funerals and for bookings for the Church and Refectory.
Also articles or advertising for inclusion in the weekly 'Pew News' or monthly 'Viewpoint'.
The restored 'Stable Block' which now houses the new office, also provides access via the side door to a disabled toilet. Access to the toilet is available during office hours , please obtain the key from the Office.
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Our vision
Our Aims as a Church are:
To develop our relationship with a
loving God – putting Him at the
centre of our lives and worship.
To encourage our relationships with
each other – valuing and supporting
each other in all that we do.
To seek to serve the wider community
– reaching out, considering all, and
loving unconditionally.
As a Church to be committed to
Christ’s healing ministry and work, to
promote health and wellbeing in all
that we do.
A Prayer for Our Vision
By your Light guide all that we seek to do together as a Church under this our Vision.Grant us the courage, the wisdom, and the humility to shine forth your love in the world and to generously seek to serve you in the wider community in which we live; to the glory of God our Father, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Download the full Vision leaflet as a PDF document
Get Adobe Reader for PDF files
Church VisionIn now the third of a series of articles looking in more depth at our Vision, this month we are going to be looking at how the Church is part of wider networks and relationships: Wider Church and Community Relationships.
“A Church that exists for itself, dies,” wrote William Temple, one time Archbishop of Canterbury. As a local Church we form part of a worldwide body made up of many denominations, worship styles, and cultures. We can be both a resource and rich blessing to them, and they to us.
In addition to the priorities we have set ourselves under the Vision (see the material in the box) we also have close Church relationships as part of Locking Deanery and Bath and Wells Diocese.
And we do not just have links with other Churches for we are also called to live out the gospel in the community.
At a formal level we have:
- ongoing projects and partnerships with the Parish Council
- we are partners in a Steering Group with Congresbury Youth Partnership to support Andy and Becky’s Ministry as Youth Workers
- we contribute to the Fete and Broad Street Fayre committees
- we have the Friends of St. Andrews who reach out to the wider community with information and for funds
- we have relations with the Local British Legion, Scouts, Guides, Brownies and Cubs.
- we also have a strong External Giving Committee who organise where we, as a Church Community, give 12½% of our previous year’s annual giving, approx £10 000. Some goes overseas some local, some to support mission some to support relief. They also share information and material for prayer, and co-ordinate the Toy Box and Shoe Box appeals.
Please get involved in this area if it appeals to you by signing up on one of the Job Sheets at the back of Church
Priorities under the Vision:- Review the Church Magazine – develop an Editorial group
- Develop a Publicity Team to advertise and communicate things better.
- Finance and Stewardship – review our giving seriously.
- Health and safety – see as an opportunity to improve our healthiness and care for one another.
Renewing the Church's VisionFor us, as Christians in God's church, having a clear vision for the future is more than just following the latest trend of the day. It is a vital part of our living faith. Rather than just doing things because they've always been done that way, or gaining more and more things by default, it is important as a church and as individuals to know God's plan for us, and to know how and why our activities fit with that plan.
Our Vision for St Andrew's, formulated by the PCC, was to draw closer to God, to draw closer to each other within our church, and to draw closer to the community (near and far) outside our church.
In January and February 2007 the PCC reviewed the vision and work of St Andrew's and prayerfully discussed where God was leading us now. It was very affirming to realise that the three aims of the original vision still hold true, and direct what we are doing. In addition, it became clear that a fourth aim has emerged in the last five years: our church is now firmly committed to the healing ministry in its widest sense. All the activities we do as a church link with one or more of these four aims. And everything is underpinned by prayer and worship, the supra-structure of our buildings and grounds, and the admin infrastructure. By going further and breaking our church life down into specific areas of focus - worship, discipleship and prayer, youth and children's work, pastoral care, buildings, social and hospitality, and so on, we have developed a plan to map out the specific details of what we need to do over the next five years in order to take forward these aims.
At the
Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 25 April there was a presentation of the details of the updated vision for the next five years. Please pray for all our church members in the coming months and years, and for the PCC, as we go about implementing all the aspects of the vision.
"Teach me O lord to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Psalm 119:33-35"
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