I would like to say a formal welcome to Rachel and her family as she joins us here at St Augustine’s with St Luke’s as our Curate. Even though we live in challenging times I am positive that Rachel’s time here with us will be exciting and fruitful not just for her, but also as she ministers to us. The role of a Curate is to experience all forms of ministry within the church and the community, I know that you will help me in this wonderful opportunity of seeing a ministry grow as she explores what God maybe calling of her in the future. Although we cannot have a big celebration at this moment in time, I look forward to the day when we can gather in prayer, praise, worship and celebration.

Below is a prayer Bishop James will say over all those being ordained Deacon on Saturday. 
Through your Spirit, heavenly Father,
give these your servants grace and power to fulfil their ministry.
Make them faithful to serve and constant
in advancing your gospel in the world.
May they follow the example of Jesus Christ your Son, 
who washed the feet of his disciples, 
and set the needs of others before his own.
May their life be disciplined and holy,
their words declare your love and their actions reveal your glory, 
that your people may walk with them in the way of truth 
and be made ready for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; 
to whom, with you and your Holy Spirit, 
belong glory and honour, worship and praise, now and for ever.
Amen.

You can follow Rachel's ordination service live on the Diocesan Facebook Page at 11am Saturday.  No Facebook account required.

Wednesday 30th September 7.30pm
Bits and Pieces via zoom, by clicking here  or ID: 876 9827 8750 Passcode: craft
This month we will be making paper flowers. You will need paper, scissors, glue and a little bit of patience. 

Diocese Reflection
This week's diocese reflection comes from The Very Rev Dr Philip Hesketh, Dean of Rochester Cathedral who considers the nature of the authority Jesus models, in the Gospel reading for this Sunday.

Ordinations 2020
A former children's nurse, founder of a charity, ukelele player and barrister, are among the 21 men and women who will be ordained as deacons and priests in the Diocese this weekend (26 and 27 September). Due to pandemic restrictions, numbers able to attend the services are very much reduced. However, as in previous years, each service will be live streamed, particularly to allow friends and family unable to attend to be part of this special occasion. 
To meet the ordinands (including 2 very familiar faces Rachel Winn and Jenny Warrington) and to find out how to view the services, click here.

Kondoa News

On Sunday 20th September, a confirmation service was held at Kondoa Cathedral. See a lovely video  (click on first photo) here including Bishop Given's dancing skills!! 

Donations by Cheque 
If you previously donated via the collection plate or envelopes, and would like to bring your 2020 giving up-to-date by cheque rather than electronically, David our Treasurer will be pleased to receive them, as he is planning a visit to the bank in early October. Cheques are payable to St Augustine's with St Luke's. Place your cheque in an envelope for the attention of the Treasurer and pop it into the post box by the Church front doors before 1st October.

Reports for APCM
If you are a group leader and normally write a report of activities for the APCM, could you please ensure these are sent to Johanna Gurney (PCC Secretary) by Friday 2nd October. Johanna can be contacted via email johanna.gurney@btinternet.com or phone 020 8467 9587. 

Private Prayer
The Vicar and Churchwardens regret the church will no longer be open for private prayer on Sundays and Wednesdays. This is due to persons unknown entering our rooms, toilets and kitchens in a non secure COVID-19 manner during the time the church is open. Having recently opened our rooms for hire again, it is essential to protect these groups who are legitimately using our premises.

Virtual Great South Run
Liz Carter is taking part in the Virtual Great South Run (10 miles) on 18 October 2020 and running at least 25 times between 1 September and 18 October as part of the challenge. She is hoping to raise much-needed funds for the Mothers’ Union at the same time. See Liz’s Just Giving page  or her Facebook page. If you prefer, cheques should be made out to ‘The Mothers’ Union’ and put through her door. Liz says thank you to everyone.

Knitting Continues
Thank you to everyone who have been knitting squares for Tanzania over the last year. Due to the success of this, we have now found another charity outlet for blankets - Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL). If you wish to knit more squares, Sue Goodger and Tanya Wardley will be pleased to receive them. They can dropped off at Tanya's house, 13 Ringmer Way or at the back of the Church.

Keep us informed 
Although these are difficult times, if you have any notices, news, events etc which may be suitable for this newsletter, do let us know by emailing office@st-augustines.org.uk

Bromley Foodbank

Bromley Foodbank needs our support more than ever. You can donate items via the black box outside the vicarage. Current items of need can be found here (on right hand side of web page):

Traidcraft
The new Traidcraft catalogue is now available on their website. Please contact Mark Gill via email mark.gill19@btinternet.com for delivery and payment options. He also has a special offer on pasta (£2 or 2 for £3) due to a short best before date.