The Headlines

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York - September 2020 Joint Letter - The Church has a vital role to play in offering hope and comfort to the nation as we face an expected second wave of the coronavirus. Read the letter to the Bishops of the Church of England here

July 2020 Synod Presidential Address - Church must 'learn afresh how to share the gospel', Archbishop of York tells Synod here

Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of the Diocese of Southwark here

Daily Hope - Church of England Free Phone (Call 0800 804 8044) Worship for people without Internet 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 - October Mailer available here Website here

Diocese of Southwark - The Bridge, July/August 2020 Issue here 
 

Michaelmas - A Message From The Rector, Revd Ian Welch

In the ongoing fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, London has been placed on high alert (tier 2). What could be more relevant and empowering at this anxious time than the traditional Michaelic picture of the Archangel with his mighty spear overcoming the adversarial power of Lucifer; pictured in the Book of Revelations in the fallen form of a fearsome dragon? In spiritual battle with the dark adversary powers, Michael and his angelic hosts have traditionally been understood to play a crucial role.

Michael may be seen as striking a telling blow for spiritual freedom, undaunted as he is by the forces of despair and darkness that Lucifer can muster. The Archangel's strength and defiance provide a fitting focus for inner picturing: that however dark the circumstances in the outer, material world may become, one can always, like Michael, draw strength of will from faith in Christ, protected by spiritual armour from the temptation to give up hope.

As the Covid-19 infection rate rises again, many in the NHS and throughout society, will face great risks and challenges. In the face of such challenges, it is good to draw on hope-filled images that provide a counterpoint to all that undermines our full humanity. In facing the grave challenges of present times, may we make time for prayer and meditation, drawing great comfort from the thought that, just as for his Archangels, Jesus Christ is the true source of strength and healing for all.

Wishing you and your loved ones health, safe-keeping and every blessing, Ian.

Revd Ian Welch, Parish Priest, Mottingham St Andrew with St Alban.

Read the full pastoral letter (with images) here.

St Andrew's Day Page and short survey

St Alban's Sermon Sunday 25 October 2020, Sowers of God's Word. Revd Ian Welch - Podcast

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 19, 25 October 2020 available now.

Faith at Home

Faith at Home is a national campaign that builds on the work of Growing Faith and Everyday Faith to support the faith development and pastoral care of children and young people. More information here.

Lent, Holy Week and Easter

Recorded in 2019 by the Archbishop and Archdeacon of Canterbury, with prayers led by Revd Isabelle Hamley, this series of five podcasts takes people on the Holy Week journey by exploring and reflecting on five of the biblical Stations of the Cross.

Whilst researching material for her book Dr Mary Sylvester, who worships at St Andrew's, investigated records at St Cynllo's in Ceredigion where the artist Nigel Robert Pugh is churchwarden and treasurer. Nigel's artwork features paintings depicting the Stations of the Cross which were used by the Dean of Newport Cathedral in his Devotion of the Way of the Cross on Good Friday 2020. Nigel's works can be viewed on his website and more information about St Cynllo's is on its website.

National Virtual Church of England Service

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby led a national broadcast on Mothering Sunday as the Church of England responded to the challenge of becoming a "different sort of church" in the face of the coronavirus crisis. The service, including prayers, hymns and a short sermon was broadcast online by the CofE and broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Sunday Worship and 39 local BBC radio stations. The service can also be viewed on the Church of England website which also has many resources available for those who wish to pray at this critical moment for our country. In a recent television interview the Archbishop noted that the number of CofE website visitors looking to participate in online services had increased dramatically. A sign of things to come, possibly!

To listen and/or watch future online services click the CofE Sunday Services button below. The service on Sunday 29 March 2020 was conducted by the Archbishop of York and recorded at Bishopsthorpe Palace.

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