I have been reflecting this week, via the Daily Reflections, about the power of words and the importance of disciplined speech within Christian community. As we approach Pentecost, known as the birthday of the church, it is a good theme to return to and commit to. I commend again the daily reflection that I distributed on Thursday:
Sometimes people might see talk of how we speak about and to one another as rather too modern for a faith community - isn't this all a bit like the training one would get from a HR department at work or a self improvement workshop?
However, even a brief dip into the New Testament epistles will reveal that these very themes were prominent in the minds of the leaders of the first churches, as much as they are our concerns right now.
For example, see St Paul writing to the community in Corinth, anticipating the reception he might get:
20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.
Below is a list of key themes about disciplined speech that we can find across the epistles in the New Testament:
Key Themes in Epistles Regarding Speech:
Refraining from Harmful Speech:
Paul's instructions in the Prison Epistles, for example, highlight the need to avoid "corrupt communication" and "unwholesome talk". This includes avoiding gossip, slander, and other forms of negative communication.
Using Speech for Edification:
The epistles encourage believers to use their words to build others up, minister grace, and promote understanding. This involves speaking words that are helpful, encouraging, and reflect a Christian worldview.
Living a Life that Reflects Faith:
Paul's emphasis on the importance of speech as part of a believer's overall transformed life underscores the idea that faith should be expressed not only in actions but also in how we communicate.
The Tongue as a Powerful Force:
James's epistle uses the metaphor of the tongue to illustrate its capacity to both bless and curse, emphasizing the impact of speech on individuals and the community.
Living in Anticipation of the End Times:
Some epistles, like those written by Paul, also connect ethical behaviour, including the guarding of one's speech, with preparing for the end times.
Louise
If you are needing to contact Louise, please use either email or mobile phone, text or call.
[email protected] or 07779585908
Safeguarding
For any safeguarding concerns, please contact one of the following:
Revd Louise Grace: 07779585908 [email protected]
Katie Gray: [email protected]
Caryll Ingerslev – St. Luke’s: [email protected]
Jane March-Mcdonald – St. Margaret’s - [email protected]
For issues with rough sleepers:
Elizabeth Reed: [email protected]
NEXT WEEK: Please send all contributions for the newsletter to Gill Yates by Thursday morning [email protected]
Services and calendar for the week
Sunday 25th May
10am…Family Holy Communion …St Margaret’s
10am…Morning Worship…St Luke’s
6.30pm…Evensong…St Margaret’s
Monday 26th May
7pm…Compline…Zoom
Tuesday 27th May
9am…Morning Prayer…St Margaret’s
1pm…Funeral for William Nott…St Margaret’s
Wednesday 28th May
10.00am…Morning Worship…Zoom
1.15pm…Lunchtime Concert…St Margaret’s
2.30pm…Coffee and Cake…St Margaret’s
Thursday 29th May
10am…Mini-Messy Church…St Margaret’s
11am…Memorial Service…Gladys McCartney…St Luke’s
Friday 30th May
9am…Morning Prayer…St Margaret’s
Sunday 1st June
10am…Holy Communion …St Margaret’s
10am…Holy Communion…St Luke’s
The Zoom links and meeting IDs for all the Zoom events are on our pages on ACNY (A Church Near You)
Bookings
St. Margaret’s bookings are managed by Caryll Ingerslev.
Contact: [email protected]
St. Luke’s Church and Church Rooms bookings are managed by Sandra Greedy.
[email protected] or phone 01392 271458
St. Luke’s church is open on Wednesdays afternoons between 2.00 and 4.00.
St. Margaret’s church is always open from approx. 9.00 a.m. but closure times depend on the season. The church is now being closed at around 7.00 p.m.
Confirmation
Many people associate confirmation as a rite of passage for teenagers, and that often is the age bracket of candidates. However, there are increasing numbers of adults exploring confirmation (literally, confirming our baptism promises for ourselves), and enjoying the exploration that preparation sessions offer.
There's already one adult in our worshipping community asking for confirmation. I would like to see if there are others. The service would likely be late autumn/early winter, and preparation would involve attending four preparation sessions.
Please let me know if you are interested.
Walking Group
7 of us had a delightful walk around Point in View chapel behind À la Ronde, followed by Prayer for the Day in the beautiful chapel. The chaplain joined us as we were having refreshments under their enormous tent and told us a lot about the history of the chapel and the many events which happen there now.
Next date: Saturday 21st June
St. Margaret’s Church
The APCM took place on Wednesday. The meeting included presentations on safeguarding and on the Forest Church in Countess Wear, and included the re-election of Ian Rogers to the PCC, and the election of our three co-opted members Katie Gray, Min Wild and Liz Hodges. Gill Yates was confirmed as Deanery Synod representative and is thereby on the PCC ex officio. Special thanks were expressed to Gill for her time as churchwarden, and to Geoff Bateman for continuing as Deputy Warden. There were 28 people present and apologies from 12 others and all will receive copies of the minutes in due course. The minutes will also be on our A Church Near You webpage, and copies can be requested. The same is true of our 2024 Annual Accounts and Annual Report of Activities, which were approved by the meeting.
Dream Big – the latest news is that the Topsham Market House Trust has very generously offered us a £10,000 grant towards the Dream Big project, payable when we start the work. The project team and PCC are very grateful to the Trustees for this evidence of the support and confidence of the Topsham community.
Paul
Coffee and Cake
Do come along to St. Margaret’s on a Wednesday afternoon for coffee, tea, cake and a chat! From 2.30 p.m.
Lunchtime Concert
This coming Wednesday at 1.15.
Sing along with Tony Yates!
Retiring Collection for St Margaret’s “DreamBig” project.
Sponsored by Wilkinson Grant
N.B. The concert on Wednesday June 5th is cancelled.
St. Luke's Church
There will be a memorial service at St. Luke's Church at 11am on Thursday 29th May for the late Gladys McCartney. She lived to the age of 101. Refreshments following the service will be at the Tally Ho.
Gladys lived in Countess Wear Road for many years. She was an excellent golfer, well known at the Exeter Golf and Country Club .
Archdeacon’s Visitation
On Thursday 5th June, Jackie Crozier and Sandra Greedy will be attending the Archdeacon’s Visitation at St. David’s Church, Exeter at 7pm.
The Visitations are an opportunity to come together for an act of worship, to meet the necessary legal requirements, which include the swearing in of all Parish Churchwardens, whether you are new or continuing in office.
All Parish Churchwardens are required to attend one of these services to take their oath of office.
Jackie and Sandra would be very grateful for support at the Visitation.
Exmouth Food Bank
W
e are currently focusing on replenishing our core stock so that we can continue to feed those in need.
In particular we would welcome donations of :
• Cereals
• Porridge oats & instant porridge
• Pasta• Stir in pasta/pasta bake sauces
• Tinned fruit
• Tinned vegetables (sweetcorn, mixed veg)
• Fruit squash/juice
• Longlife milk
In addition toiletries such as hair shampoo, conditioner, body wash and deodorant would also be helpful. Also bags for life.
Thank you for your support. You are AMAZING !
For further information email: [email protected] 07787758511
Please find attached:
Positions vacant
St. Luke’s monthly newsletter
Prayers
For those who are ill or in need of our prayers:
Jill and Adrian, Kirsten, Jan, Roger, Marlene Gardner, Pam Wormald, Mary, Peter, John Heal, Rosemary Henry, Gail Miller, Carol Walker
Housebound or in nursing/care homes:
Alfred Wonnacott, Janet Mutter, Georgina Lear, Peter Gwynne
Please pray for Anne Plested supporting the work of Bethlehem Bible College, and Ben and Katy Ray in Tanzania, St. Luke’s CMS mission link.
Anniversaries
Edward Darnley-Smith, Paul Bliss, Edward Glover, Dorothy Glover
Recently departed
Margaret Gillard, Gladys McCartney
Gospel Readings for the coming week
Sunday 25th May John 14: 23-29
Monday 26th May John 15: 26- 16: 4
Tuesday 27th May John 16: 5-11
Wednesday 28th May John 16: 12-15
Thursday 29th May Acts 1: 1-11
Friday 30th May John 16: 20-23
Saturday 31st May Luke 1: 39-49, 50-56
Sunday 1st June John 17: 20-end
Collect and reading for Sunday 25th May
God our redeemer, you have delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of your Son: grant, that as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his continual presence in us he may raise us to eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
John 14.23-29Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.
These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
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