Dame Sarah Mullally has been named as the new Archbishop of Canterbury designate - the first woman to be chosen for the role.A former NHS chief nurse, the 63-year-old became a priest in 2006 and was appointed as the first female Bishop of London in 2018 - the third most senior member of clergy in the Church of England. It is the first time in nearly 500 years of history that the Church nominated a woman to lead it.The Church has been without someone in the top job for almost a year after Justin Welby resigned over a safeguarding scandal.Bishop Sarah was at one time Bishop of Crediton and in that role she conducted a Plough Sunday service at Christ Church
Could You 'Be a Governor' and Help Pupils in Devon Flourish? Devon’s three bishops are backing a campaign to encourage people from all walks of life to become school governors and help transform the lives of children across the county.The Be a Governor campaign was relaunched this week with an event at Stoke Canon CofE Primary School after originally starting just before the Pandemic. The bishops of Exeter, Crediton and Plymouth have all been school governors themselves. The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt. Rev’d Moira Astin, said, “Education is one of the greatest gifts we give to our children.“As a governor I’ve enjoyed supporting school leaders in their commitment to helping children grow and thrive."The CofE has statutory responsibility for 134 primary and secondary schools across Devon and there are a number of governor vacancies which need filling.The Be a Governor campaign aims to show how rewarding volunteering as a school governor can be, and what a difference it can make to pupils. Volunteering as a governor is a great way for church members to be involved with the life of their local schools. You don't need a background in education to be a governor, you just need to be over 18. The Diocese of Exeter’s Education team offers support and training for anyone interested in becoming a school governor.They will be holding information webinars on Monday 29 September at 6pm and Tuesday 14 October at 2pm. These will be an opportunity to hear what becoming a governor involves, along with time to ask any questions people may have. To sign up, please email the Education Team.You can also find out more information about becoming a governor on our website.This item is taken from the weekly Roots and Shoots newsletter produced by the Diocese of Exeter. If you would like to receive a copy, follow the link here. https://exeter.anglican.org/who-we-are/email-bulletin/
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.
