Swine flu

Latest information: 10 October 2009. We received updated advice from our diocese which requests the reintroduction of the common cup. More details here.

Thankfully, for most people infected with swine flu, the symptoms are mild. But as infection rates increase, it's sensible for us to plan how we sustain our ministry to the people of our parish.

We have been asked by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to make changes in the way we administer Communion. This is because of the swine flu outbreak. The Archbishops are acting on advice from the Department of Health, who wish the Churches to take precautions to limit the spread of disease by not sharing common vessels for food and drink.

The change that is being recommended by the Archbishops is that, for the time being, we discontinue using the shared cup at Communion.

At St Paul's, rather than withdraw communion in both kinds, we have decided to adopt the practice of intinction: that is, the president will personally dip each piece of bread in the wine, before placing it in the hands of each communicant. This is one of the options available to us in the advice we have received.

The Archbishops have also recommended the use of alcohol-based hand gel before the Eucharistic Prayer by those administering Communion, and we will be adopting this practice.

We have also been advised to request that hands are not shaken at the sharing of The Peace.

We realise that these temporary changes are slightly uncomfortable for all of us. Please be assured that the Church of England has always believed that, in case of necessity, Communion may be administered in one kind only. The validity of the Sacrament is in no way affected by this temporary change.

For up to date information about the flu pandemic, how to protect yourself and others and what to do if you feel ill, please visit the National Pandemic Flu service website at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu. For treatment advice call their helpline on 0800 15 13 100.

Now would be a good time to think about neighbours who are vulnerable or who live alone:

• Check that they know what to do if they feel ill.
• Consider exchanging phone numbers and contact details for family who might live farther away.
• Consider offering to be a "flu friend", who could collect medicines if they are needed.
  

We're praying for all involved in the situation, including those health workers who are particularly busy at this time. We also pray that the Church's message of hope will reach those who are anxious or afraid.

Oadby Oxymorons 100km triumph

Our congratulations to Neil, Russell, Jerry and Dave on their amazing walk. Dave suffered an injury and had to pull out after 60km (40 miles) but the others made it all the way to Brighton. Well done to all four of them and their fabulous support crew of Helen, John, Sue and Carey.

Cheering for the Trailwalkers

We're cheering for Russ, David, Neil and Jerry as they prepare for the amazing Oxfam Trailwalker 2009 event, which begins tomorrow, 18 July.



While most of us will be still in bed, the Oadby team will make their way to the start line and head off across the South Downs at 7am. Their route will take them over the 100km (62 mile) South Downs Way. We hope to be able to speak with them by phone on Sunday morning, during our ten o'clock service.

Please pray for them in this amazing adventure, and for their support crew. If you haven't yet done so, sign up and sponsor them at http://original.justgiving.com/oadbytrailwalkerchallenge2009.

Bishop Christopher Boyle appointed as Assistant Bishop

On 6 September, Bishop Christopher will be welcomed into a new ministry as full time Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Leicester. He has for the last eight years been Bishop of Northern Malawi and brings significant experience.

This is an important development and we hope that Bishop Christopher's appointment will add significantly to the investment in mission of the church in Leicestershire.

Certificate in Christian Discipleship 2009

We've just received the publicity for the Certificate in Christian Discipleship (CCD) course beginning in the autumn of this year. A number of members of St Paul's have enjoyed the course in recent years. Why not think about enrolling this year?

The publicity material includes these details:

The Certificate in Christian Discipleship is an ecumenical course that helps us to explore our own life and faith. Running in small groups throughout the county, people from a variety of backgrounds and contexts discover what it is to be a Christian Disciple and have opportunity to study some key elements of the Christian Faith.

This course is for anyone wishing to deepen their faith, ask questions and link that faith to daily life. Explore with others in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.

The course can be taken for personal development, or for preparation for further training and no formal qualifications are required to join. CCD is the foundation requirement for authorised Anglican Ministries in the Diocese of Leicester.

If you would like to, there is opportunity to submit assessments to gain credit towards a University Level Certificate, validated by the University of Wales, Lampeter. However, this is not compulsory and you don't need to have an academic background to enjoy CCD to the full.

Year 1 course venues

City Centre, Adult Education Centre, Wellington Street, Leicester
Monday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

City Centre, Leicester Cathedral Centre
Wednesday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Ashby-de-la-Zouch (venue to be confirmed)
Thursday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Loughborough Area (venue to be confirmed)
Evening to be confirmed.

Year 2 course venues

City Centre, Adult Education Centre, Wellington Street, Leicester
Tuesday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Wymeswold, St Mary’s Church
Tuesday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Kibworth, St Wilfred’s Church Hall
Wednesday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Stanton-under-Bardon, St Mary & All Saints
Thursday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

For further details and to book your place contact the School for Ministry Office : 0116 248 7417.


The induction and pre-course study skills day is on Saturday 12 September 2009.

Modules include:

Year 1
Christian Discipleship
Opening up the Old Testament
Opening up the New Testament
Introduction to the Creeds
Mission Ministry and Vocation
Theological Reflection

Year 2
Christian Spirituality
Entering into the Old Testament
Entering into the New Testament
Sources of Theology
History of English Christianity
Christian Leadership

Each module is studied over 5 x two hour sessions

COST IS £120 PER YEAR OR £20 PER MODULE

For further information about the CCD course, call the School for Ministry on 0116 248 7417 or email Claire Stapleton.

Principal services - July to September 2009

During summer, we enter what is often a quieter time in our church's calendar. Many are away on holiday or visiting friends. Rest and refreshment is important -- even Jesus sometimes led his disciples away from the crowds into the hills.

But equally, we should not forget the importance in our spiritual life, of taking time to be in God's presence - just as when Jesus went into the hills it was often the opportunity he took to pray.
During the summer season we will take the opportunity to continue to learn lessons from the apostles.

If you are going away on holiday, may you come back refreshed in body, mind and spirit.

Sunday 19 July 2009
10.0am Holy Communion
A place for the outsider – Matthew
Matthew 9:9-13, 1 Corinthians 1:25-2:5

Sunday 26 July 2009
10.0am Service of the Word
Handling doubt – Thomas
John 11:8-18, John 20:19-29

Sunday 2 August 2009
10.0am Holy Communion
Paying the price – James
Mark 1:14-20, Acts 12:1-4

Sunday 9 August 2009
10.0am All together Church
Bread of Life
John 6.35,41-51

Sunday 16 August 2009
10.0am Holy Communion
Love is the basis – John
1 John 4:7-5:2, John 19:25b-30

Sunday 23 August 2009
10.0am Service of the Word
Keeping the faith
Ephesians 6.10-20 John 6.56-69

Sunday 30 August 2009
10.0am Joint Service with St Peter’s at St Paul’s
What matters?
James 1.17-27, Mark 7.1-8,14,15,21-23

Sunday 6 September
10.0am Holy Communion
All One in Christ
James 2.1-17, Mark 7.24-37

Sunday 13 September
All Together Church
Harvest Thanksgiving

Chloe Thomas ordained as deacon

On Sunday, our own Chloe Thomas was ordained at Leicester Cathedral. Bishop Tim ordained ten other new deacons, who will all begin their new ministries in the Diocese of Leicester.

Chloe, Gwion, Angharad, Huw and Sian, were all members of St Paul's until she followed God's call to ordination and was selected for training at Cuddesdon Theological College in Oxford.

This is a moment for celebration, for Chloe and her family, the parish she will serve, but also for us at St Paul's. It's thrilling to let them go with our blessing, even as we are sorry that they are no longer with us. We wish them all well and pray for them as they settle into their new home, and for Chloe especially as she begins a three-year curacy at St Mary's Church, Knighton.

Ordinations are a sign that God continues to call men and women to service in his Church. But it's not only deacons and priests who offer themselves in ministry. The vocations page of the diocese's website has more details.