MISSION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTERw.b. 11th October 2026Dear FriendsReturning from my annual leave has given rise to me reflecting upon the past six months and the months ahead.Many of you will have received or heard about the notification of the Bishop’s visitation to our benefice. Given its public circulation, I believe it is important that you also hear briefly from me.I have raised substantial concerns about the visitation process and its report. Those concerns remain unresolved. My decision to respect confidentiality and avoid discussing individuals publicly should not be understood as agreement with everything that has been said or written.This has been a prolonged and deeply distressing experience, with a significant impact. Although I remain a familiar public face in our churches and community, much of that experience has necessarily been carried privately.I recognise that parishioners may have questions and concerns. I ask that we make space for fair hearing, respect confidentiality, and avoid treating disputed accounts as established facts. These responsibilities matter to the wellbeing of everyone involved.I remain grateful for the kindness, prayer and practical support I have received, and for the relationships built through more than eleven years of ministry here. I am seeking a fair resolution that respects the dignity and wellbeing of all concerned, including my family.LouiseLouise’s email address: vicartopshamwear@gmail.comSafeguardingFor any safeguarding concerns, please contact :Katie Gray: safeguardingtopshamwear@gmail.comFor issues with rough sleepers:Louise Grace: vicartopshamwear@gmail.comPlease send all contributions for the newsletter to Gill Yates by Thursday evening.gyates@uwclub.netServices and calendar for the week Sunday 11th October 10am…Holy Communion…St Margaret’s 10am…Holy Communion…St Luke’s 3pm…Forest Church…St Luke’s 3pm…Concert…St Margaret’s Monday 12th October 10am…Kid’s Matter…St Margaret’s 2.30pm…Julian Contemplative Prayer…St Margaret’s 7pm…Compline…Zoom Tuesday 13th October 10am…Mini Messy Church…St Margaret’s Wednesday 14th October 10am…Morning Worship…Zoom 1.15pm…Lunchtime Concert…St Margaret’s 2.30pm…Tea and Cake…St Margaret’s Thursday 15th October Friday 16th October 9am…Morning Prayer…St Margaret’s Saturday 17th October Sunday 18th October 8am…BCP Holy Communion…St Margaret’s 10am…Joint 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: bookingstopsham@gmail.comPlease book in for any use of the church including church meetings and events.St. Luke’s Church and Church Rooms bookings are managed by Sandra Greedy:Contact: bookingswear@gmail.comSt. Luke’s churchwarden can be contacted on:churchwardenwear@gmail.com or phone 01392 271458St. Margaret’s Churchwarden can be contacted on:churchwardenstmargarets@gmail.comSt. Luke’s Church is now closed during the week for the winter.St. Margaret’s is open every day between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.Mini Messy Church Returns Monday, 12th October!We are delighted to let you know we are bringing back Mini Messy Church starting on Monday, 12th October from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM in the back of the church.This will be a weekly drop-in space once again for young children and their families to gather for stories, songs, and friendly connection. No pre-booking is required—just pop in, and please help us spread the word to any local families who would love to join us!Help us stock our Baby Bank at St Margaret’sWe’re excited to be setting up a Baby Bank at St Margaret’s, providing practical support to local families who may be finding things financially difficult.We’re looking for good-quality, clean items that can be passed on to families and put to good use. We’d particularly welcome:Baby and children’s clothes (newborn–5 years), freshly washed and in good conditionSleepsuits, babygrows and sleepwearCoats and warm clothingSocks, tights and hatsNappies of all sizesUnopened baby wipesUnopened baby toiletries, such as baby wash, shampoo and lotionBaby feeding equipment such as bottles, cups and bowlsWe’re especially grateful for everyday essentials that families can use straight away. If you have clothes that your children have grown out of but are still in lovely condition, or unopened baby essentials that you no longer need, we’d love to receive them.We’re hoping to create something that is welcoming, practical and dignified for local families, with a good selection of things that parents and carers can genuinely choose from and use. Please email me to organise any donations before bringing to the church - familyworkertopshamwear@gmail.comThank you for helping us get our Baby Bank off the ground and for supporting local families in our community.The Musical Lunchbox – Wednesdays at 1.15Free lunchtime concerts!The next one is on Wednesday 14th October. Trios by Farrenc and Martinu, Robert Stephenson, flute Amye Farrell, cello, Roger Stephenson, pianoSt Margaret’s Church, Topsham Sunday 11th October 2026, 3 p.m.Come & Sing with Exeter Singersconductor: Tony Yates organist: Matthew Wright, hymns to well-known Classical tunes including Dvorak’s Largo (Hovis bread), Beethoven’s Choral Symphony, Charpentier’s Trumpet Tune (Eurovision), Holst’s “Jupiter” theme, and “Finlandia” by Sibelius with 20th Century Choral Music sung by Exeter Singers Admission free: donations to local care charity, FORCE.Coffee and CakeWe look forward to welcoming you on Wednesdays between 2.30-3.30 - not just for coffee, tea and an array of cakes, but also for friendly chat and a warm welcome. There's no charge, and we'd love to see you, whether you're Christian, or of a different faith, or of none at all! 🎂 🥮Exmouth Food BankIf you are kind enough to be planning to donate to us, we would be grateful to receive the following priority items: Crisps/savoury snacksBottles of squash e.g orange squashJams/peanut butterTins of soupTinned meat meals such as stews, meatballs or curryTinned cold meats such as ham, chicken or corned beefTinned tunaTinned fruit, rice pudding or custardHair shampoo & conditioner Thank you for your Kindness ❤️13-20We are also really short of clean, large 'bags for life'For further information email: info@exmouthfoodbank.org.uk 07787758511PrayersFor those who are ill or in need of our prayers:Jill and Adrian, Jan, Jeremy, Graham DaurgeMarlene Gardner, Pam Wormald, Mary, Peter, John Heal, Gail Miller, Anthony ApplebyHousebound or in nursing/care homes:Alfred Wonnacott, Georgina Lear, Paul MorganPlease pray for Anne Plested supporting the work of Bethlehem Bible College, and Ben and Katy Ray in Tanzania, St. Luke’s CMS mission link.AnniversariesPeter Phillipps, David Gillard, John BurrowPatricia Aykroyd, John Sharples, Gerald May, Lionel GouldRecently departedGospel Readings for the coming weekSunday 11th October Mathew 22: 1-14Monday 12th October Luke 11: 29-32Tuesday 13th October Luke 11: 37-41Wednesday 14th October Luke 11: 42-46Thursday 15th October Luke 11: 47 - endFriday 16th October Luke 12: 1-7Saturday 17th October Luke 12: 8-12Sunday 18th October Luke 10: 1-9Collect and reading for Sunday 11th OctoberO God, forasmuch as without you we are not able to please you; mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.Matthew 22.1-14And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.For many are called, but few are chosen. Positions vacantSt Margarets’ Topsham and St Luke’s Countess Wear are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory DBS check of the appropriate level for the role.We are currently wishing to appoint suitable people to the following paid role in our parishes:CleanerSt Margaret’s Church Topsham is looking for a cleaner to work in our newly refurbished social area. The area includes a new toilet area, kitchen servery and communal area.You will be employed to work for 2 hours a week (1 hour early in the week and 1 hour towards the end of the week). There may be an opportunity for additional hours after specific larger events.This is a paid, contracted role at £15 per hour (holiday pay will be paid). All required health and safety training, products, equipment and PPE will be provided.If you take pride in your work, have an eye for detail and want to be an essential part of our community creating a welcoming space for all, then we would welcome your application.Email: recruitmenttopshamwear@gmail.com for an application form and full Role DescriptionWe are currently wishing to appoint suitable people to the following volunteer roles in our parishes:Cleaner for Main Body of ChurchSt Margaret’s Church Topsham is looking for more volunteers to join our team who clean the main body of the church not the new social area.The role involves spending an hour every four weeks (or less frequently if we can recruit enough cleaners), working in a group of two. The work involved includes:Vacuuming the carpets in the entrance, in front of the altar, and in the little side chapelSweeping the aisles and the pewsDusting the woodwork (pews, choir stalls and any other woodwork)It should not take more than an hour each time and you can arrange a time to suit your team.Please do think about joining the team. Our group of volunteers is becoming smaller and some of the members have mobility issues and may not be able to continue for much longer.If you take pride in your work, have an eye for detail and want to be an essential part of our community to create a welcoming space for all then we would welcome your application.Email: recruitmenttopshamwear@gmail.com for an application form and full Role DescriptionSacristan for St Margaret’sWe are looking for a new Sacristan to join our team and to prepare for the service on the second Sunday of the month. The successful applicant will need to spend approximately twenty minutes on a Friday or Saturday to make the required preparations in the vestry, in readiness for the Sunday morning service. Then on Sunday you would be required to arrive at 09:30 to lay everything out on the altar and spend time after the service putting things away.Email: recruitmenttopshamwear@gmail.com for an application form and full Role DescriptionVolunteer in Forest church.We hold a monthly service that needs volunteer support to assist in delivering activities alongside established leaders. A requirement will be to arrive early to help with the set up and read the plans for the session. You would then be expected to help in the clearing up afterwards. You would be needed from 2.30 pm until 4.00pm every Second Sunday of each month. The activity takes place at St Luke’s Church.Essential requirement: experience of working with families.Email: recruitmenttopshamwear@gmail.com for an application form and full Role DescriptionVolunteer for St Luke’s IntercessionsSt Luke’s Church is looking for volunteers to lead the intercessions during the 10 o’clock Sunday Service. Volunteers take turns to lead the prayers once a month on a rota.The successful candidates will need to liaise with the incumbent and leadership team. They will need to give approximately one hour preparation time in the run up to each service. Prayer resources are encouraged to be used.Key skills: clarity and appropriate communication, confidentiality, awareness of current affairs and needs for prayer further afield as well as local, team player, humility and ability to convey pastoral care.Email: recruitmenttopshamwear@gmail.com for an application form and full Role DescriptionVolunteer Second Lead for the Parent and Toddler Groups at St Margaret’s ChurchSt Margaret’s Church is looking for a volunteer Second Lead to help run our friendly ‘Mini Messy’ Parent and Toddler Groups and the ‘Kids Matter’ parenting programme.St Margaret’s Church is seeking a warm, energetic, and compassionate individual to join our team as a Second Lead for our thriving Parent and Toddler groups. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys interacting with young children and fostering meaningful connections with parents and caregivers.The Second Lead will support the running of our sessions, working closely with our group leader to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all attendees. These groups play a key role in our church’s mission to provide community support, foster spiritual curiosity, and offer encouragement in a non-judgmental and respectful environment.Are you energetic, great with children, and love connecting with parents and caregivers? Join us in creating a welcoming space where everyone can feel part of a community, explore Christian values, and have meaningful conversations — no matter their beliefs.Must be happy to chat, play, and support!Email: recruitmenttopshamwear@gmail.com for an application form and full Role DescriptionThis email was sent from Mission Community of Topsham and Wear using iknowchurch. 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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!
1 Love Topsham All sorts of news and events going on here only a click away2 Estuary League of Friends All sorts of help can be found here from advise about COVID-19 to having your toenails looked after.3 Difficult Conversations A resource from the NSPCC4 Childline More information for parents and children5 Information for parents - Talking about difficult topics
