The Magazines are attached but can also be obtained in hard copy at each church.To obtain a copy of The Estuary Magazine please visit St Margaret's Church or The Topsham Bookshop.
The week after Easter Sunday can be a time, like the disciples, wondering in awe, what life is how to be lived in the light of Jesus rising from the dead.On Tuesday I was reflecting that God is and will have the last laugh by proving that violence is no solution and to offer us peace and a life in all its fullness. His way is the winning way because you can’t kill his love and everlasting life.On Wednesday I was reflecting how angels, I believe, who were there at his birth were there smiling at his rebirth from the grave like a father watching his child unwrapping a present. I think Jesus must have loved appearing and disappearing to the disciples in upper rooms, locked rooms and on a walk to Emmaus. It was his way to stop the confusion in the hearts and minds of the disciples before finally ascending to his father in heaven. As church we also must learn to be with the risen Jesus and to walk with him though we can’t see him.I am reminded of Jesus’ words “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”(John 20.29)I pray that we may enjoy of the blessing of believing even though we have not seen with our eyes but know our hearts burning within us as we read the scriptures.PeterTimes of change, particularly unanticipated change, can be disorientating; and naturally can invite curiosity as to why those changes are happening. However, it can become problematic in community when that curiosity tips over into speculation, and the community circulates misinformation, even damaging gossip. If anyone needs to talk through any of the changes we are experiencing within our church communities, please do approach myself or one of the wardens, who are now Jackie Crozier and Sandra Greedy (it doesn't matter that Jackie and Sandra worship at St Luke's, they are available across the benefice); or if you are needing more information around the safeguarding issues and audit that have been to the forefront recently, please do contact Katie, our parishes safeguarding representative. Their contact details are below, as are mine.It is important to keep to the fore that misinformation and damaging gossip, including and especially in written form, is not acceptable behaviour for any group or organisation, workplace or voluntary, and especially not for a church. We are called to even higher standards of mutual respect than regularly expected.LouiseLouise: louisegrace45@gmail.comSandra: kenneth.greedy@sky.comJackie: malcolmjackie120822@gmail.comKatie Gray: safeguardingtopshamwear@gmail.comIf you are needing to contact Louise, please use either email or mobile phone, text or call.louisegrace45@gmail.com or 07779585908 SafeguardingFor any safeguarding concerns, please contact one of the following:Revd Louise Grace: 07779585908 louisegrace45@gmail.comKatie Gray: safeguardingtopshamwear@gmail.comCaryll Ingerslev – St. Luke’s: C.I.churchbookings@outlook.comJane March-Mcdonald – St. Margaret’s - jane.march-mcdonald@plymouth.ac.ukFor issues with rough sleepers:Elizabeth Reed: reedelizabeth04@gmail.comPlease send all contributions for the newsletter to Gill Yates by the end of Thursdaygyates@uwclub.netMaterial for A Church Near You to Tony Raven: tony@theravens.orgServices and calendar for the week Sunday 27th April 10am…Family Friendly Holy Communion…St Margaret’s 10am…Morning Worship…St Luke’sMonday 28th April10am…Mini Messy Church…St Margaret’s7pm…Compline…ZoomTuesday 29th April 9am…Morning Prayer…St Margaret’sWednesday 30th April10.00am…Morning Worship…Zoom1.15pm…Lunchtime Concert…St Margaret’s2.30pm…Coffee and Cake…St Margaret’sThursday 1st May10am…Mini-Messy Church…St Margaret’s7pm…Deanery Synod Meeting…St Luke’sFriday 2nd May 9am…Morning Prayer…St Margaret’sSaturday 3rd May 8am…Prayer Breakfast…St Margaret’sSunday 4th May 10am…Holy Communion …St Margaret’s 10am…Holy Communion…St Luke’sThe Zoom links and meeting IDs for all the Zoom events are on our pages on ACNY (A Church Near You)BookingsSt. Margaret’s bookings are managed by Caryll Ingerslev.Contact: C.I.churchbookings@outlook.comSt. Luke’s Church and Church Rooms bookings are managed by Sandra Greedy. kenneth.greedy@sky.com or phone 01392 271458St. Luke’s church is open on Wednesdays afternoons between 2.00 and 4.00.St. Margaret’s church is always open from approx. 9am, but closure times depend on the season. The church is now being closed at around 5pm. News and NoticesElectoral RollApplications to join the new electoral roll will close formally on Wednesday 30 April in preparation for the APCM on Wednesday 21 May. After that, new members can join at any time.St. Luke’s Church Rooms Christian Aid Big BrekkieOn Saturday 3rd May , you are invited to come along to enjoy anything from a slice of toast to a full English breakfast, with fruit juice and tea or coffee. The ‘Brekkie’ is free but donations to Christian Aid will be requested.There will be two sittings from 9am to 10am and then from 10am to 11am. Please let Jill Allen know to which ‘sitting’ you will be coming. You can sign up for which sitting you would like your ‘brekkie’ on a list which will be at the back of St. Luke’s Church, or you can contact Jill by email g.m.allen@hotmail.co.uk or phone 01392 877195.Revd. Tony Raven will be our Chief Cook, assisted by his wife, Dorothy, and Ken Greedy.This year our contribution to Christian Aid will be more important than ever, considering governments’ reduction of help to the world’s poorest people. We need to step up and do our bit!See our A Church Near You for further information.Coffee and CakeDo come along to St. Margaret’s on a Wednesday afternoon for coffee, tea, cake and a chat! From 2.30 p.m.Lunchtime ConcertThis coming Wednesday at 1.15.“Any Old Iron!” - community singing with Tony YatesRetiring Collection for St Margaret’s “DreamBig” project.Sponsored by Wilkinson GrantWalking GroupThe first walk this year is coming up on Monday April 28th in the afternoon.The plan is:2.00 Meet at St. Margaret’s for a short prayer time.2.15 Walk through Topsham with Gill pointing out a few points of interest, then round the Goat Walk, where there will be space to chat or enjoy the peace, then back to St. Margaret’s.3.15 ish Refreshments in St. Margaret’s4.00 endPlease let Gill know if you will be joining the walk.gyates@uwclub.netExmouth Food BankWe 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 milkIn 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: info@exmouthfoodbank.org.uk 07787758511Please find a list of Positions Vacant attached.Addition this week: organiser for the coffee rotaPlease find monthly newsletters for St. Margaret’s and St. Luke’s attached.N.B. The 8.00 a.m. Communion on May 18th will be taken by Louise.PrayersFor those who are ill or in need of our prayers:Jill and Adrian, Fay, Kirsten, Jan, Roger, Marlene Gardner, Pam Wormald, Mary, Peter, John Heal, Rosemary Henry, Gail Miller, Carol WalkerHousebound or in nursing/care homes:Alfred Wonnacott, Janet Mutter, Georgina Lear, Peter GwynnePlease pray for Anne Plested supporting the work of Bethlehem Bible College, and Ben and Katy Ray in Tanzania, St. Luke’s CMS mission link.Anne is hoping to fly to Bethlehem during April to spend some time with the Community there.Perhaps pray that her physical presence at this time will help to give the College staff and students a real sense of solidarity with Christians in the UK.AnniversariesMike Dee Shapland, Bruce Doust, Bert Twigg, Hilda CrabbSylvia Shortis, Peter Mathewson, Joan Wheeler, Anne Davies,Recently departedGladys McCartneyGospel Readings for the coming weekSunday 27th April Acts 5: 27-32Monday 28th April John 15: 18-21Tuesday 29th April Mark 13: 5-13Wednesday 30th April John 3: 16-21Thursday 1st May John 14: 1-4Friday 2nd May John 6: 1-15Saturday 3rd May John 6: 16-21Sunday 4th May John 21: 1-19Collect and reading for Sunday 27th AprilAlmighty Father, you have given your only Son to die for our sins and to rise again for our justification: grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.Acts 5.27-32And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.This email was sent from Mission Community of Topsham and Wear using iknowchurch. 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Big Dream moves forward, bit by bitThe Archdeacon of Exeter and his architectural advisor came to the church to discuss final details on the plans for our redevelopment of the rear of the church. They were very encouraging and made some helpful suggestions. By the time you read this, the updated plans will have been submitted and we have been told the legal permission should be issued around Christmas. Before that, there will be a formal notice on the church railings for 28 days to let everyone know about the plans and the process for approval.Give to Go Green We're excited to announce that St. Margaret’s is one of just nine parishes in Devon to receive a Go Green (G2GG) grant this year—a positive step in making our church more energy efficient and sustainable. We will be installing energy-saving heaters to allow us to warm an area for meetings during winter without heating the entire church. This will significantly reduce our carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and enable us to reinvest those savings into community initiatives, including funding for our new Families Worker.This project won’t just benefit the church—it will also provide a warm, bookable space for community use as well. If you're passionate about tackling climate change and supporting community efforts, we invite you to join us in this project. Could you help by giving or fundraising – maybe a charity coffee morning for your neighbours? Your contribution will be doubled by the Church of England, so every penny counts and will bring us closer to a greener future! Start making plans; details of the fundraising campaign will be in next month’s Estuary magazine.
Dear all I haven't forwarded anything from Bethlehem recently but this request for prayer arrived a few days ago. A few weeks ago a group from the College spent a couple of weeks in Jordan running a summer camp for refugee children from the conflict in Syria. Munther Isaac is one of the best Christian advocates for the Palestinians at the moment. Anne and I heard him speak in Bristol last summer, and he caused some controversy a while back when Justin Welby didn't have time to see him during his visit to the region. Justin apologised later. Margaret and I are hoping to have lunch with Anne Plested the week after next. Will try to keep you in touch, but meanwhile thank you for your prayers. God bless David As we recruit students for the upcoming academic year, please join us in praying that the Lord opens doors for those wishing to study at Bethlehem Bible College. May He guide His children to the right fields where they can continue building His kingdom on earth. We are grateful for the success of our summer community training programs. Over two weeks, we welcomed 26 adolescents and 5 young leaders to our summer camp, along with more than 70 local and international students in our language courses. Please pray that these programs do more than fill their time; may they instill the love of Jesus Christ and highlight the significance of our Holy Land. We ask for your prayers for Rev. Munther Isaac, who has been traveling this summer to share about our College, its impact on the community, and the ongoing conflict in our Holy Land. May the Lord bless and protect him. Due to the water shortage caused by the occupation, please pray for families suffering from a lack of water for days and weeks. Congratulations to our recent high school (Tawjihi) graduates! We wish them blessings as they decide on their next steps!
