COVID-19 Update

Many of us have been looking forward to the time when our church buildings can re-open.  The Government has now announced that church buildings can re-open for private individual prayer.

 Doing so is something which must be planned carefully to maintain the safety and well-being of all concerned and so should be undertaken with care when and if all reasonable care is in place.

The opening of St Andrew's will be undertaken with prayerful consideration and after a careful risk assessment  St Andrew's is conscious of the need to balance our desire to make our buildings available for all, with the need to provide facilities which offer all reasonable protection to those who visit and those who care for them.

 For this reason, we will be considering the steps we should take very carefully.  We will not be opening any of our churches during the month of June as we undertake these considerations and preparations.

When we are confident that we can open our church buildings, we will ensure that this is communicated widely and people are aware of the steps taken to promote the safe and enjoyable use of the premises.  

Although our buildings are closed, we continue to worship and meet together online.  See the link above to Daily Messages and Sunday Worship

In the meantime, if you would like us to pray for you, or someone to talk to about anything, please do not hesitate to use Facebook messanger or the contact details found on the 'Contact Us' page of this website.

Stay safe, life love,

Revd Gary

'Jesus is alive and he is building his church' (Matt. 16:18)

Coronavirus pandemic

In accordance with the recommendations issued on 17 March from our parent denominations, The United Reformed Church and the Methodist Church, have suspended all public worship in the Wiltshire United Area until further notice.  This means there will be no services on Sundays or weekdays, nor will user groups be able to use the premises.

This will be a great sadness to many for whom the rhythm of worship; prayer; reading and hearing God's word; singing God's praise and sharing Holy Communion is a natural part of their life.  So things will be different in coming weeks.

The Area Staff will endeavour to keep in touch with church members in the coming weeks by phone or email.  We'll send out messages and prayers regularly, as well as being available by phone, because we realise how isolating this time may well be.  In addition, Revd David each week will be producing a Home Service Sheet, basically an A4 sheet of prayers and readings and a brief reflection based on the lectionary.  If you would like a copy, or think people in your congregation might appreciate this, please contact David.  If you want to photocopy this for people, please remember to wear gloves when photocopying and likewise when placing the sheet in a sealed envelope.

Remember that the church is the people, not the building - it's just going to be different for a while.  We encourage you to continue in prayer and creatively show love and kindness to all, whilst also keeping safe.

You may also like to join us each evening at 9 p.m., praying to God for all those suffering; their loved ones and those caring for them and remembering those who mourn.  You may also like to pray for all the members and friends within the churches in the United Area.

This message comes with the assurance of our prayers for each of you.

   Gary Gotham - Area Chair            David Coppard - Superintendent

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

written this year by the Christian women in Zimbabwe with the theme, 'Rise! Take up your mat and walk.' 

held in St Andrew's Church

10.30 a.m. Friday 6 March

     A Welcoming Children's Area