27/06/2026
Newsletter from St Andrew’s, Winston
Hello friends
I hope you have managed to stay safe during this heatwave this week and we think of those south of us and across Europe who have and still are enduring much greater heat than us.
We pray for everyone affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela, such devastation and loss of life.
Christian Aid have launched an appeal for donations on their website with this message - I am bringing you this personal message, to our supporters, from Carlos E. Mejia, Christian Aid’s Head of Impact in Latin America and the Caribbean:
‘Venezuela is still hurting. The pain keeps building, growing even deeper with two powerful earthquakes that have torn through populated areas, leaving widespread damage to homes, buildings, businesses and social services, damage whose full extent is still unknown, but clearly immense.
Solidarity rises in the face of human suffering. Christian Aid, in partnership with faith-based networks directly present in Venezuela, is working to bring a tangible solidarity — one that nourishes hope as an act of resistance against a tragedy powerful enough to break it.’
There were more than 30 aftershocks to the quakes which struck some of Venezuela’s most biggest and most densely populated cities. We’re releasing emergency funds to our network of trusted local partners active in the epicentre of Caracas and Carabobo. They are well-placed to deliver life-saving water, food, health kits to treat basic injuries and shelter to some of the worst-hit communities in some of the poorest neighbourhoods.
This weekend for the church is Petertide when new deacons and priests are ordained in cathedrals across the land. Claire Mead is being ordained a priest at 4:00 pm on Saturday afternoon and we congratulate her wishing her well as she continues to work in Hartlepool.
In 12 months-time Sarah Fells will be made a Deacon followed by being ordained a priest the following year. We are all delighted and congratulate Sarah as she continues with her studies working towards this calling to be ordained.
This Sunday
We welcome Rev David Spokes to lead us in a service of Holy Communion at 9.30 a.m. and the readings are attached.
Next Sunday
We welcome Rev Ian Gomersall to lead us in a service of Holy Communion at 9.30 a.m.
It is also the Car Boot Sale to raise funds for the playing field and I am sure they would welcome our support with items to sell on their nearly new stall and for us to visit after the service.
Advance Notices
Gainford are holding a Four Nations Community Concert on Saturday 11th July – details are in Focus
Matthew Gibson, who is Assistant Director of Music at King's College, Wimbledon, is coming to play for us again on Friday 17th July at 7.00pm.
The last time he came it was a beautiful experience. Please plan to come along and please bring friends too, tickets are £10 including a drink. It's in support of church funds. Tickets are available from Joyce phone 07786072830
During these times of exceptional weather, we all need to take care of one another especially those who are vulnerable so take care whilst you are enjoying the sunshine.
Please join us for the service on Sunday if you are able.
Every blessing,
Lynne
