The Headlines

Preparing for Advent and Christmas 2020 - Comfort and Joy

The Archbishops' Presidential Address at General Synod - 23 November 2020 - speeches in full here

Daily Hope - Church of England Free Phone (call 0800 804 8044) worship for people without access here

The Pilgrim Way - A Guide to the Christan Faith

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Latest Guidance - the latest guidance from the Church of England

National Virtual Church of England Services - Listen to Sunday Service on BBC Radio 4 or a local radio station

Message From The Rector - Reverend Ian Welch, Rector, St Andrew with St Alban, Parish of Mottingham

Five Marks of Mission - discover what they are and how you might follow them

Safeguarding - see our Safeguarding Page and the Church of England's Code of Safer Working Practice

HeartEdge - November Mailer available here Website here

Diocese of Southwark - The Bridge, November 2020 Issue here

Gift Day and St Andrew's Day 2020 - Watch the Festival Service and Donate here
 

Advent - A Message From The Rector, Revd Ian Welch

Advent is that very special Season of the year when the readings from scripture bring together the past, present and future, with a shared focus on the theme of Christ's coming. We recall his coming as a babe born in a manger 2000 years ago; we pray for his birth in our hearts, communities and world today; and we call to mind the prophecies of his coming again at the end of world history.

The authentic proof of Christ's birth within us and of our faith within him is expressed in acts of self-giving love for our neighbours, especially the suffering and marginalised. When we show warmth and care to those in need, we bring light and hope into the darkness of the world, much needed in these anxious times of pandemic. Acts of generous care for neighbours show we are at one with Christ's heart of love. Through uniting with his tender love we show our faith is real and that Advent and Christmas have true meaning for our times.

With every blessing for safe-keeping, joy and peace during Advent and at Christmas.

Ian

Revd Ian Welch
Rector, Mottingham St Andrew with St Alban

St Andrew's Day Page

Parish Pew Sheet and Hymn Sheet Sunday 29 November

St Andrew with St Alban Sermon 22 November 2020 - Revd Anne Hoad

Online Improvised Daily Taize Prayer is available here

Keep Connected!

Social distancing may mean physical isolation but we can renew connections of soul and spirit through the telephone, social media, email and even the humble letter post.

Keep connected with this website -

It is updated regularly with news of our local community, the parish and the Church of England in general.

Stay connected with a candle -

Our Archbishops have invited us to light a candle in the presence of Jesus in our homes. Take this opportunity to say:

• a prayer for thanks giving each day
• a prayer of blessing on our families
• a prayer for help wherever it is needed
• a prayer for healing and forgiveness

Come close to God and he will come close to you! (James 4:8)

Keep Connected with our Parish community News Sheet - Issue 22, 22 November 2020 available now.

A Vision for the Church of England in the 2020s

At the end of 2019, the Archbishop of York was asked by the House of Bishops to lead a process to create a vision and strategy for the Church of England for the next ten years. Find out more here

The Archbishops' Address to the General Synod

'Renewal' for Church is coming despite 'trauma' of pandemic, say Archbishops. More here

Letter to clergy from Archbishops and Bishop of London

A letter sent following the announcement of the second lockdown - here

The Church is a Beacon of Hope

The Bishop of Southwark's pastoral letter to clergy - here

The Pilgrim Way

A guide to the Christian Faith

Christians believe that in Jesus, God has walked this earth before us, and that with Jesus as our companion we can travel through life differently.

We can live and travel as pilgrims. We can set our sights on God's Kingdom of justice and peace; and our journey home to God, becomes more meaninful and joyful, and the world a better place

Happy are those whose hearts are set on the pilgrim way.

Psalm 84.5

The Pilgrim Way is a new guide to the core beliefs of the Christian faith. Set out in a question and answer format, it follows one of the Church's very earliest ways of teaching and training disciples.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Churches

See the Church of England's website for guidance on what churches should do. There is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section at the bottom of this CofE website page which includes a section on 'What Churches should do at this stage'. It covers some of the issues that have been raised within our (Southwark) Diocese. Please continue to check this guidance as it is updated regularly. 

A joint letter issued on 17 March 2020 from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York called for the Church of England to become a "differenct sort of church" in the coming months to face the challenge of coronavirus. Archbishops Justin Welby and John Sentamu said it is now necessary to put public services on hold until further notice. Accordingly, no services will be held at St Andrew's and St Alban's until further notice. Please continue to check this page regularly for updates.
 A second joint letter issued by the Archbishops on 24 March 2020 updates this, clarifying the latest position.

How is the Church of England adapting plans for Holy Week and into Easter to meet the challenges of Coronavirus? Read how.

Supporting Good Mental Health - visit the CofE website and read the thirteen daily reflections or print them.

In a joint statement leaders of the Church across Britain and Ireland have come together to urge Christians to pray, serve and do all we can to slow the spread of Covid 19 - read here