St Andrews Church Shottery

04/09/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket.
September 4th.
A prayer for today written by John O'Donohue:
' At the beginning of this new day, We pray for all who suffer violence today
May an unexpected serenity surprise them.

For those who risk their lives each day for peace,
May their hearts glimpse providence at the heart of history.

That those who make riches from violence and war
Might hear in their dreams the cries of the lost.

That we might see through our fear of each other
A new vision to heal our attraction to aggression.

That those who enjoy the privilege of peace
Might not forget their tormented brothers and sisters.

That the wolf might lie down with the lamb,
That our swords might be beaten into ploughshares.

And no hurt or harm be done
Anywhere in this world you lovingly created, Lord. Amen.
Revd. Joan Whyman.

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket.
September 3rd.
William Penn, a 17th Century Quaker, theologian and writer once stated:
'True silence is the rest of the mind, and is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.'
I discovered the truth of this afresh a few mornings ago as I walked with our dog. We are blessed by the fact that we have open countryside very close to home where it is usually quiet, but on this one morning I became aware of a special, almost tangible stillness and silence all around me. Not a single sound. I stopped walking and listened for just a few minutes and then as I walked on I felt a new energy pervading my soul.
Jesus, we are told, often escaped from the noisy crowds and clamour of life. In Mark 1:35 we read:
'Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.'
Lord, help us to make time each day, to pause in quietness and silence with you. Amen Revd. Joan Whyman.

02/09/2026

September SEARCHLIGHT now available. You can purchase a copy from the church porch or from the Welcome Area. Please pop your payment in appropriate slots. Enjoy.

02/09/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket.
September 2nd.
I wrote yesterday about the gravity of world situations, so it is heartwarming to experience a warm, bright encounter for a few moments in a day. Sitting waiting to be called for my dental appointment I began to talk to a small boy sitting next to me about his return to school. He proudly told me he would be moving into Year 1. He couldn't remember, however, his new teacher's name only the name of his teacher in Nursery and Reception that he excitedly announced was a Mr. Tickle. I thought he was teasing me about a character in the Mr Men books, but his mother confirmed that what he had told me was true. I professed astonishment to the boy and we enjoyed a chuckle together. This happy few minutes reminded me that today will mark the beginning of a new school year for many children and we offer our prayers for them, and for all teaching staff, too. Lord bless both staff and students. May they work and learn in harmony together. Amen Revd. Joan Whyman.

01/09/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket.
September 1st.
In many ways, last month was a very sad and troubled one in so many places around the world due to an unprecedented number of outbreaks of wild fires with their resultant destruction and deaths. Then last week we have heard the terrifying and heartbreaking news of the events in Nepal and nearby Tibet. It is almost impossible to imagine the terror and grief experienced by the people there, and the exhaustion and despair of those endeavouring to offer aid and relief with limited resources amidst impossible and hopeless devastation.
Lord, we offer our prayers for the people in all these troubled places of such grave suffering and sorrow. Help us to recognise that our greed and careless use of world resources has contributed to the effects of climate change and to consider how best to use and preserve the gifts we often use without thought or gratitude. O Lord, hear our prayers. Revd. Joan Whyman.

31/08/2026

HOW DID WE GET HERE?
12th September. 7pm. St. Andrew's Church Shottery.

This is a concert l highly recommend having seen it a couple of months ago when Rob performed it at Coventry Cathedral. I have attached the information for you. Tickets can be purchased via the QR code on the poster attached.

About the concert, Rob writes:
“This is a true story - at least as best as I can remember it.
My name is Rob Halligan. I’m a singer songwriter, an itinerant, a minstrel, a troubadour - and a mess. But somehow, I’m still here. I started out with a dream and as I got older that dream became a plan and as those plans were scuppered again and again, I went back to dreaming and hoping because hope, I’ve been told, doesn’t disappoint us.
Everyone has a story to tell and every one of those stories has a headline but it’s often only the sensational headlines that catch our attention. Look past the headlines - we all carry a story, and in those stories lie the familiar echo of our shared human journey - the moments of joy, the sting of loss, the screams of doubt, and the tender ache of longing.
This is a story that smashes a hole through the headlines and shows that in each of us there pulses the same vulnerable, resilient heart, striving to make sense of this intricate world."
In 2001, Rob Halligan lost his father in the 9/11 terror attacks. A week later he found himself in New York City on the start of a journey, trying to make sense of what he’d seen. From a dysfunctional childhood and life on the streets, to being an ambassador for vulnerable children and an acclaimed songwriter, Rob’s journey whistles hope into a hopeless world and invites us to do the same.
Through songs and stories, “How Did We Get Here” takes us down a road underpinned by a simple faith and the belief that love is bigger.
Revd. Craig.

31/08/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket.
August 31st.
Today's 'diary' comes to all readers bringing my very best wishes for a happy, peaceful, relaxing bank holiday, filled with God's presence and many blessings. Revd. Joan Whyman.

30/08/2026

Rev Craigs Sermon from this Sunday 30th August