A Listening to God Online Morning

Saturday 20th February 2021, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

How, in the midst of life’s storms, are we to make sense of what the Bible says about God’s goodness and love? Too many ‘solutions’ to the traditional problem of evil require us to accept that suffering isn’t really as bad as we think. The Bible, in contrast, acknowledges the deep anguish of our hurting world, and claims to offer a solution that brings healing, peace and hope. This event will unpack the Biblical account of suffering and equip you to reach your own conclusions about its truth and power.

Further details of the event and how to book are available from The Well’s website.

Back in July, the PCC agreed that in mid/late September we would review any feasibility of re-opening the church building under the Government and Church of England guidelines. The PCC virtually met on 16th September and agreed to take the first tentative step of re-opening the building for funerals. This, of course, would be subject to the guidelines mentioned above and that a team of volunteers to help prepare and clean the building is in place. 

Any loss of a loved one is a very difficult and emotional time and through the pandemic many bereaved have voiced that it’s been even harder under all of the guidance. It is hoped that if the funeral can be held at St James, this would bring some comfort to the bereaved in their journey of grief.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help to keep the building open for funerals then please be in touch with me. To keep everyone as safe as we can, any volunteer would need to follow the guidelines issued and not be in any of the NHS vulnerable categories ie no underlying health issues or over 70 years of age. Please see the NHS advice for further information.

The PCC will review any further opening of the building at their November meeting. 

We are living in uncertain times and the increased sense of the unknown for many is a real form of anxiety and fear. Please do be in touch if you would like a chat or would like to be prayed for. Let us stand together on the firm foundation that God is our rock and our refuge and that He will see us through these storms of life.

Blessings, Vikki

07983402614

vicarpad@gmail.com

Government guidance has been revised to allow certain activities to take place in church buildings in limited and socially distanced ways. Having considered the guidelines in detail, the leadership team here at St James Church have taken the decision, supported by the Bishop of Coventry, that St James should remain closed for public worship for the time being in order to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

Our priority is to ensure that everyone visiting St James can do so in a safe way. Considering the layout and facilities of the church, the need to maintain the necessary hygiene and social distancing precautions and other constraints currently being imposed, it was felt that we could not reopen the church safely.

Under the current limitations the church is likely to remain closed until at least mid-September when we will review the guidance, but the leadership team are continuing to pray through and consider how and when the church building may open safely in the future.

During this time we are continuing to offer our weekly “Stay at Home” worship services which can be found here or on our St James Southam YouTube channel. The church can be opened for an individual’s private prayer by prior appointment or you can let us know if you would like personal prayer support by contacting Rev. Vikki Bisiker at southamstjames@gmail.com.

All public services at St James are on hold until further notice. However, the church building will still be open for prayer every week on Thursdays from 10am to 11am and on Sundays from 10am to 12 noon. The church will also be open from 8pm to 9pm on Friday 20th March as part of Prayer 2020. You are welcome to drop in during these times as long as you are free of symptoms and observing social distancing recommendations.

We have put together a document of prayer and resources for those who are unable to meet together, so please do make use of this. Although we may not be able to gather as one, let’s come together as a family in prayer and put our trust in the One who promises to never leave us.

Given the Government’s ongoing directives, we will continue to gather while we can; 

The Communion Cup will be suspended for the time being as will sharing the peace; 

Services may be cancelled in the future so please refer to this website for up-to-date information (or the church Facebook page).