The Parish of St Augustine's with St Luke's
Sharing God's Love

Welcome to our weekly newsletter for
Good News for Friday 6 May 2022

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Question: "What does 'APCM' stand for? 
Answer: Anyone Participating Can Make-a-difference
 
Well, actually it stands for Annual Church Parochial Meeting but that sounds a bit ordinary! The truth is, this Sunday your being in church could make a real difference to St Augustine's with St Luke's going forward in 2022-23.  As we look back over the last 12 months what are your thoughts about how our church year has gone? Have you been disappointed? Are you excited about the direction God is moving us in? Are you actively a part of God's mission here?
Last Sunday our Licensed Lay Minister, Alan, spoke to us about "listening to the voice of God," who can speak to us and through us.  Following on from his sermon we will consider the church feedback given and offer everyone an opportunity to share what God might be calling us to do - and to be as a church in our community. It is vital that we listen to God about this; we need to reflect on what it is right to continue with - as well as what we might be called to relinquish.
 
This week I have been reading about the prophet Elijah, who took great effort to reach a place (Mount Horeb) where he was told he would encounter the Lord God himself if he waited in the right place. Surprisingly, the presence of God was not in the drama of the earthquake, the violent wind, or the raging fire. Instead, Elijah heard God's voice giving him direction in a calm, non-eventful, ordinary "gentle whisper".  (1 Kings Ch.19)
Where has God been in 2021-2022?
Where will he be in the year ahead?
Let's 'listen' together in the ordinary-ness of our APCM and who knows what we might hear?

Prayer  

God our Creator and Redeemer,
We thank you for your love which
seeks out all people and never gives up.
Draw us closer to you and our community
as we, as a church body, listen to your voice in the ordinary.
Help us to grow in holiness and unity
and align ourselves with your will for this parish.
Open our eyes to new opportunities and
grow your kingdom in us and in the world,
through Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

God Bless you 
 

Revd Steve Spencer at: revsteve.spencer@btinternet.com Tel: 020 8467 1351 

Revd Rachel Winn at: curaterachel@yahoo.com Tel 07311330202

Sunday 8th May 4th Sunday of Easter 
Service of Holy Communion at 10.00am at St Augustine's Church: Southborough Lane, Bickley, Bromley BR2 8AT.

If you are unable to come this service will be Live-Streamed on our YouTube channel address:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCR70BiHHimXOLZpMSXV44IQ

Collect for 4th Sunday of Easter:

Risen Christ,
faithful shepherd of your Father's sheep:
teach us to hear your voice
and to follow your command,
that all your people may be gathered into one flock,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen

Gospel Reading:        John 10: 22-30

PARISH NEWS AND NOTICES

Lunch on us! This Sunday, 8th May at 12.45pm
Everyone is invited to join us for a Parish lunch (soup/roll/cake/fruit) shortly after the APCM. This meeting will follow on after our morning service, during which we will showcase all we have been doing to achieve our parish Mission; "to offer everyone in our Parish opportunities to hear, experience and respond to the call of Jesus Christ."   
After the lunch is YOUR chance to contribute to the planning and delivery of God's kingdom initiatives that will grow our church and reach our community in the coming year.
We aim to finish by 2.45pm
 

Hope into Action Bromley
 
As our church goes ahead with the Hope into Action Bromley Partnership we are now at the stage where we need to train up befrienders and mentors to support the homeless people moving into the two properties. Rather than just placing someone in accommodation and hoping 'it all works out,' our aim is to draw alongside, befriend and offer them God's love and support. For many of our tenants this may well be a new experience, (as it is for us!); one which we pray will be transformative by giving people a firm foundation to rebuild their lives.
If you had spoken to Rachel or Steve about becoming a befriender volunteer then this training is for you! 
It takes place on Saturday 21st May at St Augustine’s Church, Southborough Lane, Bromley BR2 8AT.
Please book at hiabromleybefrienders.eventbrite.co.uk for the course led by Laura Cuthill from Hope into Action. We will meet from 9.30am for tea/coffee with a 10am start and aim to finish by 3pm.
 
If you are interested in finding out more please contact Steve or Rachel, or join us at the above course and see whether this might be something God is calling you to.
 

Diary: May
Why not click on the link to download this and join us where you can? Find the May Diary here.

The ARK Toddler Group 
The next session for ARK, is on Wednesday 11th May.
The Ark runs every Wednesdays (term time only) at St Augustine's Church 10.00 - 11.30am. Please use the link below for Eventbrite each week, one ticket per child, tickets on a first come first served basis.
Please use the link below for Eventbrite each week, one ticket per child, tickets on a first come first served basis. 
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/st-augustines-with-st-lukes-church-35212875693  
If you can help with this group or need further information, please contact: Helen Baker, Youth & School's Minister @ St. Augustine's Church, Bromley 07576233119

Midweek Prayer and Reflection – 12 Noon
Our next gathering via Zoom is on Wednesday 11th May starting at 12 noon.  You will be able to join this Midweek Prayer and Reflection on the Zoom link here 

CAMEO Friendship Tea (Come And Meet Each Other)
Our next gathering will be Thursday 12th May at 2.30pm - 4.00pm Why not bring a neighbour or a friend along too? If you would like to find out more please contact Hilary: 07884 195700

Week Beginning Sunday 15th:
Sunday 15th – Family Service at St Augustine's at 10.00am
                        (Readings Acts 11: 1-18, John 13: 31-35)                     
Wednesday 18th May ~ Midweek Prayer & Reflection
Wednesday 18th May  ~ ARK Toddler Group
Thursday 19th May ~ CAMEO
 

Dates For Your Diary

15-21 May - Christian Aid Week

This year's appeal focuses on Zimbabwe.  Envelopes will be available at church on Sunday 15th May to return the following week with your contribution.  Alternatively you can donate at Christian Aid website or call 08080 006 006.

Saturday 21st May ~ Hope into Action "Befriending" Training day at St Augustine's Church. If you would like to know more and be part of transforming lives within Bromley contact Rev Steve or Rev Rachel
 
Tuesday 17 May ~ Clear up for the Jubilee event
Would you be available to help smarten up the front area of the church and the Memorial Garden on Tuesday 17th May, between 2.00 - 4.00pm? You don't need exceptional gardening skills, just a willingness to clear some weeds or do a bit of pruning and tidying, so that we can be ready for our 'Jubilee on the Green' day on Saturday 4th June.
If you can offer your time, please contact Alan Fyfield by email alan.fyfield4@ntlworld.com or by phone 0208 289 8177. 
 

Saturday 4th June ~Jubilee on the Green" a celebration of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee on St Augustine's Green- if you can help in any way for this great occasion, please sign up on one of the sheets in the church, or contact Rev Steve, Rev Rachel or Hilary Chittock

Charity and Community Updates 

BROMLEY FOOD BANK ~ don't forget us!

The Food Bank in Bromley continues to need our help. We welcome any of the following items, which are urgently needed now:

• Long Life Fruit Juice
• Instant Whip
• UHT Milk
• Desserts (Sponge Puddings)
• Tinned Fruit
• Antibacterial Spray
• Men's Shaving Foam/Gel

The Food Bank has plenty of pasta, beans, soup, Lobster Bisque, cereal and tea.
 

PLEASE DO NOT DONATE ANY OUT OF DATE OR FRESH ITEMS

Keep in touch

Though we are not all able to meet in person, we certainly don’t want anyone to feel isolated or alone. If you know anyone who might appreciate a call, do let us know by contacting the Vicar or emailing the Office.

We also have a prayer team and you can send in prayer requests for yourself or others. 

Lastly, if you know of someone who would like to receive our weekly newsletter, then forward this email to them and ask them to sign up here.

Love, prayers and the peace of the Lord Jesus be with you always.