St Brendan's only holds services infrequently so it was a major event to be hosting a Group Communion service conducted by the Bishop of Exeter. Tony Piper and his team rang the bells to welcome the congregation. Rev'd Miles announced the first hymn during which he and Bishop Mike entered and proceeded up the aisle. Bishop Mike welcomed the congregation and commented on how nice to have untypical Exmoor weather. He presented Brendon church with an oak tree sapling as a symbol of growth.In his sermon he used the analogy of a disorganised person leaving from an airport departure to illustrate his theme, where are we going, how do we prepare and what is our final destination. The organ was played by Carolyn Gold for the hymns Be now my vision oh Lord of my heart, Guide me oh great redeemer, All my hope on God is founded, Great is thy faithfulness. Prayers of Intercession were read by members of the PCC. Bishop Mike was assisted by Rev Miles in administering the Communion. Bishop Mike then read notices of forthcoming services and read the banns for a couple getting married in Lynmouth in September. After The Dismissal, the congregation were able to gather for a chat and refreshments.
Good MorningAs parking is limited at St Brendan, Brendon a local Farmer has kindly opened a field for vehicles to park in, only a short walk to the Church, The directions are:-Coming from Brendon/Rockford direction, come up Church Hill passing the church on your right and take the first right (after a right hand bend) onto Straypark Corner, signposted to Hallslake. The gate into the field where we are parking is 50 yards on the right, on a bend in the road.Coming from the B3223 road from Lynton to Simonsbath, turn left by Brendon Manor (riding stables) onto Scobhill Road (signposted to Brendon) and continue for ½ mile (ignoring the turning to the right to Cranscombe) and until you reach a sharp right hand bend. On this bend, turn left onto Straypark Corner signposted to Hallslake and the gate into the field where we are parking is 50 yards on the right, on a bend in the road.With respect, please avoid parking in the layby in front of the Church unless you have significant mobility issues and will not be able to manage the short stroll admiring the beautiful scenery from the field to the Church as there are members of the Lyn Valley Mission Community who will be attending who are unable to walk any distance.Thank you for your understanding and consideration.Also, if anyone who is coming from the Parracombe / Martinhoe area has a spare seat, please could you let me know as I have been contacted by someone who would appreciate a lift.If you have any questions, please contact Jack Pitman on 07768 877 369.Many thanks
Rev'd Miles began by reminding all how so much of our life depends on the work of sea farers bringing goods from all parts of the world and how, with conflict in so many parts of the world, their work is becoming increasingly dangerous. Stories of the sea feature in much of Jesus' life and Rev'd Miles read from Mark's gospel when Jesus and his disciples were crossing the sea of Galillee when there came a great storm. Congregation sang the hymns, I, the Lord of sea and sky and Eternal Father, strong to save in which they were accompanied and supported by local group, The Lynmouth Shanty Crew. After the service, Shanty Crew sang four sea shanties including one describing the famous lifeboat, Louisa which was dragged thirteen miles over Exmoor to Porlock to rescue a drifting sailing boat because the weather was too dangerous in Lynmouth.
Celebrating all creatures great and small: Get involved in this summer's social media campaignEncourage people to visit your local church by taking part in our summer campaign: #GreatAndSmall – celebrating animals at church.• You might remember our previous summer campaigns, #ChurchDoorChallenge and #StainedGlassSummer. This year, we’d love to see your pictures of animals in churches, or within your church grounds.• Whether it’s a snapshot of some local wildlife, pets who have paid your church a visit, or depictions of animals in stained glass windows, paintings and carvings, we want to hear from you.• Every summer, churches, dioceses and members of the public get involved in sharing their photos on social media – why not give it a go?You can email your photos to zi9mmn5ez@mozmail.com
