It was great to see some of you at Bubble Church this week! We were thinking about the lost sheep. After shepherd lost one of his sheep, he left the other 99 to search for the one sheep. He searched far and wide and was delighted when he found the sheep. Jesus told this story as a metaphor: we are the sheep and Jesus the shepherd and Jesus will always search for us, welcome us and rejoice with us. We made a ball of Play-Doh to symbolise a flock of sheep, took a small bit off to represent the one lost sheep, and then put the small bit back and made a heart to show how much the shepherd loves his sheep - and how God loves usI wonder how hearing that God loves us so much makes us feel? Perhaps you could discuss this with each other at home. The next Bubble Church will be on the 24th May at 9am. Please book here bubblechurch.org as it helps us with catering. We look forward to seeing you there! In the meantime, if there is anything we can be praying about, please do let us know.
To mark this special anniversary, we’re hosting a series of events throughout 2026 that celebrate what God is doing locally and nationally.Our first event, The Quiet Revival: Discovering Growth in the Diocese of Exeter, takes place online on Thursday 23 April 2026, 7pm to 8pm.We’re delighted to welcome Dr Rhiannon McAleer from the Bible Society, who will share insights from The Quiet Revival, reflect on the recent changes in the YouGov survey data and share some of anecdotal insights. We’ll also hear encouraging stories from clergy and laity within our own diocese, as people come to church with fresh curiosity and openness.Do join us for an inspiring evening of hope, growth and celebration. Sign up below:https://exeterdef.org/news-and-events/Many thanks, Tim HamiltonLay Chair, Christianity Deanery (Exeter)
Exmoor folk are a hardy lot and not to be easily discouraged by a bit of wind and rain. Over fifty determined folk gathered on Brendon Common to welcome the dawn and the sunrise on Easter morning. As a joint service with Lyn Mission Community, Exmoor Benefice and Shirwell Mission Community, the service was conducted by Rev'd Miles, Rev'd David Weir and Rev'd Rosie Austin. A small band of three saxophonists provided the music, opening with Morning Has Broken. Rev'd Miles welcomed the congregation and spoke about the message of Easter. Rev'd Weir read a lesson. Congregation accompanied the hymns, Thine Be the Glory and Jesus Christ is Ris'n Today. Congregation joined in with prayers including the Lord's Prayer before turning to see the sunrise and increasing light from the East and Rev'd Austin gave the closing blessing. Everyone then enjoyed breakfast with croissants and tea or coffee.
Following the publication of the Bishop of Exeter’s vision for the Diocese and five strategic priorities, Rev'd Miles has been presented with a framework to describe the ongoing and future work of LVMC.He explains what he has already learned from living and worshiping with the community and how to develop this in the future. He identifies initiatives already started and under way, especially with young people through Soul Space and the soon to start Bubble church and how to build on this in the future.Please download and read the document in full.
We are so excited to share that Bubble Church Lynton is launching Sunday 26th April 2026, 9am for refreshments, for a 9.15am start.Bubble Church LyntonBubble Church is a free, puppet-packed, Jesus-centred, coffee-and-croissant-fuelled, 30 minute kids and families adventure.Here's the deal: you turn up at St Mary's for a croissant and a coffee, then you'll be guided to a 'bubble', and you and your little ones will share in 30 mins of song, story, puppets, and prayer.Bubble Church is held at 9am on every 4th Sunday @ St Mary's Lynton. Book here to let us know you're coming... Next Bubble Church: 9am on Sunday 26th AprilYou are more than welcome to just turn up but it would be so helpful if you could book in using the below link so we know for catering and craft materials purposes. https://tinyurl.com/4bmd2ycs
Rev'd Philip Ringer - Lyn Valley Mission Community Statement Dear friends,I write with some very sad news that The Rev'd Philip Ringer, who served as Vicar of Lyn Valley between 1996-2003 has died.Phillip was a much loved and very popular vicar. An ex-police officer, he was dedicated to this community and its people and to sharing the good news of Jesus in it. Philip was involved in many parts of our community from the schools to the elderly and I know that many of you will have fond memories of him.As we grieve his loss, we hold Philip's family and his friends in our prayers. We also give thanks for hir life, and for her faithful service as a servant and shepherd of God’s people.‘I am the resurrection and the life,’ says the Lord. ‘Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’ (John 11.25–26)May he rest in the peace of Christ, and rise in glory.Rev'd MilesRev'd Philip Ringer - Statement From Family It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Philip Ringer, our beloved husband, dad and grandad, who passed away peacefully on Saturday night.He was a devoted family man and a much-loved part of the Bridport community. Many will remember his nightly 9pm ‘Tonight in Bridport’ Facebook posts, sharing words of faith alongside a lit candle, which may feel a meaningful way to remember him, should you wish to light one.As a family, we are heartbroken and so proud of the life he lived and the kindness he showed to others.Thank you for the love and support already shown to us. We kindly ask for privacy at this difficult time and will share further details in due course.With love, prayers and blessings,Christine, Paul, Mel, Alex and Molly