Covid Restrictions

Since the start of the Covid outbreak over two years ago we have been constantly reflecting on the changing national guidance as we have made decisions about when and how we are able to gather together. At each stage we have reflected the national guidance and tried to care for those who are most vulnerable, whilst recognising everyone’s desire to get together as freely as possible under the circumstances. Following the latest government announcement, we wish to update the church family about how things will look at our Sunday morning service.

From this Sunday people will not be required to wear masks during the service. We would, however, encourage wearing them to keep the vulnerable safe as we recognise, understand and respect that some of our congregation remain at risk and/or are cautious about the continuing possibility of becoming infected by the Covid virus. For that reason, we will be offering seating for those that want to stay slightly away from those who are not wearing masks. This area will be clearly set aside for those who wish to use it.

On a Sunday, if you have any concerns, please discuss them with one of our Welcome Team who will be only too pleased to try to help you. They will also be able to indicate the area that we will be keeping free for those at risk.

Electoral Roll

The annual revision of the Electoral Roll will take place between 27th February and 6th March. If your name is on the Roll, you need do nothing.

The Roll is a list of people who regard themselves as members of St James’ Southam, and have the right to vote at church meetings. If you wish to add your name to the Roll, please would you complete an application form, available on the round table at the back of church, or from Margo, or from Lou at the church office (Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 9am – 1pm).

Applications should be completed by 20th February, and handed to Margo, or placed in a labelled folder on the round table, or delivered to the church office. If you have a query, do contact Margo on 01926 815201 or email margocg23@gmail.com.

Sunday 2 January

The Sunday morning service on 2 January will be online only. The video is available to watch here.

Christmas Services

For a full list of Christmas services at St James, please click here.

Due to Covid measures the seating limitations mean that some very popular services will require pre-booking using the phone number listed, and unfortunately only those who have booked seats will be able to attend.  To avoid disappointment please call us as soon as possible to reserve your seats.

Sunday Morning Services

From Sunday 12th September the church will be open from 9.45am with refreshments available upon arrival.

At 10.15am the online service video will begin being projected onto the screen, and those present will be able to join in the singing, keeping their masks on please.

The building will remain open until 11.30am allowing an opportunity for quiet reflection.  We respectfully ask that those who wish to socialise or continue in informal worship would facilitate this by moving to the churchyard and maintaining appropriate distancing.

On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month it is planned to offer an “Agape” style of simplified communion following the end of the video part of the service.

Some may feel anxious about coming back into the building and others have joined St James in worship from across the country and so online services will continue even though the church doors will be open.  Links to our services and Treasure Time videos can be found here.

Part Time Office Administrator Role

St James Church Southam is recruiting for a part time administrator to provide general support to the Priest in Charge and wider church leadership team. The standard hours are 9.00 to 1.00 on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday paid at £10.00 per hour. For more information please email southamstjames@gmail.com.

Job Description

Application Form

Please send completed application forms to The Parish Office 74D Coventry Street, Southam CV47 0EA or southamstjames@gmail.com.

The closing date is 18 September.

Picnic Blanket Church

Some of you may be aware that we have been unable to have a children’s group or area in the church since re-opening and so on Sunday 13th June, we are going to try ‘Picnic Blanket Church’ outside for the young children and their parents/carers. Starting at 10:30 it will be a short time together (max 1/2 hour) and will involve things like a short activity, a Bible story, an action song and a prayer. Please can each family bring their own blanket and any drink or snack that they may need. We will be socially distanced on our blankets and we’ll need to know if you’re interested in coming as numbers will be limited. Please let me know and I can let you have the extra details.

Rev Vikki

07983402614
southamstjames@gmail.com

Drop In Morning Prayer

We are pleased to announce that St James’ will be reopening the church doors for drop in morning prayer from Sunday 23 May. Please do drop in any time between 9:30am and 12 noon. Covid guidance, track & trace, social distancing and hygiene will be observed, but there will be people to welcome you and explain all the things that you need to know! Please remember to wear a mask. To mark the occasion of reopening, the bells will be rung from 9:30 until 10am to ring in Pentecost.

Some may feel anxious about coming back into the building and others have joined St James in worship from across the country and so online services will continue even though the church doors will be open. Links to our services and Treasure Time videos can be found here.

Important Notice

The meeting to elect our Churchwardens will be held via Zoom* on Sunday April 25th at 11.00am to be immediately followed by our Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM).

The notice for the election of our Churchwardens is here.

The nomination form for Churchwardens is here.

The notice for our Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) is here.

The nomination form for PCC members is here.

Please email completed nomination forms asap to barryapcm@icloud.com or ring Barry on 01926 811254 to arrange collection. If it is difficult to obtain the signatures of proposers and seconders on a paper copy please contact Barry. 

The various documents for the meetings, including agendas, annual report and other statutory reports, etc. are here.

*In order to join the meeting please request log on details from Barry Parker at barryapcm@icloud.com by Friday 23 April.

If you have any questions or queries please contact us.

Holy Week & Easter

Due to the pandemic, we are saddened to say that we are unable to gather again this year for Holy Week and Easter. All of the Holy Week reflections and Easter celebration will be online on the St James Church YouTube channel. Treasure Time for our youngsters will also be available online for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Please see links to our services here.

Combined Churches in Southam are holding a Virtual Walk of Witness on Good Friday, and there is an Easter trail to follow around Southam. More information about both can be found here.

You may have noticed that The Tree of Hope at the crossing of the churchyard footpaths has many yellow ribbons tied on. These ribbons represent loved ones lost and missed over the past year. As Easter approaches please feel free to also hang Easter decorations. Many folk have paused and reflected at what has become the Tree of Hope and many a supportive conversation has happened there too. It will soon be in blossom and be an even more beautiful sign of hope for the coming months. 

Blessings, Vikki