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Dates for the diary

5th February - “MORE” 7.00pm at the Rectory
8th February - Nifty Fingers 2.00pm at 74D Coventry St.
9th February - Mothers’ Union 2.00pm in church
9th February - Men’s Curry Club 8.00pm The Balti Hut
 

Church Website Webmaster or mistress needed for updating Church website. Anyone interested please contact Rev. Armstrong - 812413

 

Jolly J's - help needed!
Jenny and Laura would be grateful for volunteers to help wash up and tidy away after Jolly J's on Monday mornings. Help is particularly needed at 10.50am for about half an hour at the end of each session. If you are able to help please sign up on the rota at the back of church or phone Jenny on 810169. All offers of help will be greatly appreciated and helpers are more than welcome to come for a coffee and chat beforehand.
 

The Mothers' Union monthly branch meeting will be held on Thursday 9 February at 2pm in church. John and Mary Home will share with us their recent experience in Kenya, with Bees Abroad. Contact: Margo Grant 815201

 

Gift Aid

“If you are a taxpayer and putting cash in the collection it would be appreciated if you would put the money in a completed yellow gift aid envelope so that the church can claim back around 25p in every pound from the taxman.” Thank you.

Nifty Fingers
Invitation: Do you enjoy crafting? Do you like to knit, crochet or sew? Please come and join Nifty Fingers a new crafting group that we hope will meet twice a month in St James Church office. Enjoy a chat, refreshments and help to make quality handmade items that can be sold at future events to raise money for both St James Church and Bees Abroad. The first meeting to share ideas and resources will be on Wed 8th February 2pm-4pm. Further meetings to be arranged. Wanted: Donations of yarn, fabric, trimmings, buttons etc. will be very welcome. Also unwanted jumpers, cardigans and large T-shirts to recycle into handmade items. Please pass to Jill Parker or Mary Home, or leave with Margaret in the church office.
Any queries or questions please call Jill on 01926 811254
 

St James Men's Curry Club
Join us and enjoy an evening of good company, lively conversation and a great curry.
Venue: The Balti Hut (http://www.everymenu.co.uk/southam/indian/balti_hut-7238.htm)
Time: 8:00pm
Date: 9th February (2nd Thursday of the Month)
Contact: Nick (01926 815965 / nickpowell@tiscali.co.uk )
(Please let me know if you are interested by Wednesday 8th February)
Location in restaurant depends on numbers!!!
*** Bring your own alcoholic drinks ***
 

Church Bookings

A New Year is about to start so to avoid disappointment, please make sure you fill in a booking form for ALL the venue’s which you require the use of the church, and return the form clearly filled in and signed, to the Church Office, 74D Coventry Street
so dates can be entered into the 2012 office diary.
 

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)
It is that time of year when we need to start preparing for the next APCM which is to be held on Sunday 25 March 2012. To ensure that all papers are circulated well in advance of the meeting, I am asking that all reports be submitted to me by the end of January 2012. Please email your reports to me at bp47@gmx.com. If you do not have email can you please let me have a hard copy. Reports should, as far as possible, be submitted using Word and in Verdana 11 font. I will then bring them into a structured format. Please remember that the period of reporting is for the calendar year 2011 and in order to give the reports a level of consistency in structure I would suggest that the report looks back over 2011 and should, as far as possible, reflect as to what was planned to what actually happened, together with a vision for the future. Requests for support could also be included. Any queries or questions please speak to me or email me. Many thanks. Barry Parker – Church Secretary.
 

News from the Diocese
Leadership Review - Thank You
In October, Bishop Christopher announced that he had commissioned a "Leadership Review" within the Diocese. He set up a Review Panel comprising ordained and lay people from a wide range of backgrounds. Their first task is simply to identify the key issues that relate to the leadership of church communities; and to that end, a simple questionnaire was distributed. The Panel would like to thank everyone who responded. Over 200 questionnaires have been received, and these are now being discussed by the members of the Review Panel. The Panel will soon be reporting to the Bishop's Staff, and then the results of the survey will be shared throughout the Diocese.
Government to address lead thefts
The Church Buildings Council (CBC) has advised us that, on Thursday 26 January 2011, the Home Secretary, Theresa May, announced in a written statement to MPs that paying cash for scrap metal will be outlawed. She also told them that fines would be 'significantly increased' to tackle the growing problem of metal theft.
Dean to move on
After eleven years as Dean of Coventry, John Irvine has announced his plans to move to a new job in Cambridge next summer. The Dean’s last service will be on 29th July 2012 but the process of finding his successor will begin immediately. Please visit Coventry Cathedral’s website to find John Irvine’s and the Bishop of Coventry’s statement.
 

St James Primary School – Governors
From our previous appeal I am pleased to advise that we have been able to forward two new Governor nominations to the Diocese. We still have two vacancies, one being for a parent with a child or children in the School. If you are interested in filling one of the remaining vacancies and/or would like more information as to what would be involved please contact Barry Parker on 01926 811254.

Sidespeople and Welcomers Rota
We are still seeking new volunteers to join the existing team for our 10am service on a Sunday morning. If you are interested and/or would like more information please speak to Barry Parker on 01926 811254.