Monday 11 November 2013

What a performance...

'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens
The Monkwearmouth Drama Group present their version of the Dickens classic 'A Christmas Carol.' 
Come along to the Priestman Hall, St. Andrew's Church, Roker, and experience a truly wonderful performance.
 
Friday 15th November - 7:30pm
Saturday 16th November - 2:30pm & 7:30pm
Sunday 17th November - 3pm
Monday 18th November - 7:30pm
Tuesday 19th November - 7pm
 
Entry is £5 on the door.

Click here for help to find us.

Friday 8 November 2013

Centrepoint Sleepout 2013

A cold November evening beckoned as we arrived at Beamish Museum for the third
North East Sleepout to raise funds for Centrepoint, a charity whose work is aimed at giving fresh hope and support to homeless young people.

We hosted the first Sleepout at St, Andrew's Church in 2011 (see photos), and it seems no coincidence that a brand new hostel has been opened by them in the parish.
 
So, well wrapped up on thankfully a dry night, it was time to meet old friends and renew
acquaintances with those whom we had met in previous years. Bowls of hot soup
and hot dogs provided by the museum staff to keep out the chill and so to bed; well it
was the pavements and doorways of the main street in the museum.
 
Some had gathered around a few braziers set up along the street, an image of
yesteryear, a picture of poverty and homelessness in a bygone age. Yet this was
2013 and we were told over 6000 young people would be doing what we would do,
albeit only one night for us.
 
During the evening much information was given about the work of the charity and
how we were part of a national event taking place tonight. Yet what was most
poignant was to listen to the stories of four young people whose lives had been
turned around by the charity's work. From backgrounds of hopelessness, through all
the ills of family breakdown inflicted upon some young people, to the life skills and
direction that brings hope for the future through the skills of the Centrepoint staff.
 
Not the best night's sleep I have ever had, well not much sleep at all as Ralph and I
decided to sleep on the cobbles of the stable courtyard. Emerging from our special
bags provided by the charity at 6. a.m. after an almost frosty night, bones chilled to
the core and probably a few imprints of cobbles upon our bodies it was time to go
home to the warmth and comfort we take so much for granted.
 
Thank you to all who have sponsored Dick, Ralph and myself and hopefully a bed
and a better future for some unknown young person in need. A small price to pay by
us on one cold bone chilling night in November.
 
John Pattinson

For more information about the amazing work of Centrepoint here in Sunderland and across the UK, visit http://www.centrepoint.org.uk/

Monday 4 November 2013

FOSA Auction - 16/11/13

Broadcaster & author Melvyn Bragg
The Friend's of St. Andrew's much loved Coffee Morning Auction is back! On Saturday 16th November, starting with coffee at 10am, the items going under the hammer from 11am include a signed pic from Milton Jones, signed books by Kate Adie, Chris Mullin and Melvyn Bragg, signed CDs & DVDs by Sir Thomas Allan, Joe McElderry and Sarah Millican, and a number of signed books and framed prints from Sunderland AFC. All items have been kindly donated to enable us to continue in our efforts to raise funds for further church renovation. There will also be a cake stall, raffle and Christmas Novelty stall. 
X-Factor winner Joe McElderry
Top comedian Milton Jones


 
Remember - Saturday 16th November 2013 at 10:00am!


Look forward to seeing you there!



Journalist Kate Adie









 






Saturday 2 November 2013

Sleep Out for Centrepoint

Banner general
 
The big Centrepoint Sleepout is this Thursday (7th November) from 7pm to 7am at Beamish Museum.
 
We are blessed to have Centrepoint's first purpose-built accommodation for homeless young people in the Parish! Located in Dundas Street, it boasts en suite bathrooms, modern facilities, a training kitchen and multimedia suite - perfect for Centrepoint staff to hold more effective workshops in learning and life skills, and to really engage and support the vulnerable young adults of Sunderland.
 
Some of our congregation members are already signed up to take part in the Sleepout, but it's not to late for you to get involved - visit Centrepoint's website to find out how. 
 
 
 
 
 
You can also join us in praying not only for those involved, but for those who face homelessness & rough sleeping as a reality every day - and for charities such as Centrepoint for their invaluable work helping them.
 
For more information on what Centrepoint do & who they support, click here.