Before the pandemic when things were just starting to get difficult for families, Carol Brunner set up a charity food box in the porch at Christ Church with the slogan, Give when you can, take what you need. People were invited to make donations in the manner of a food bank to support those struggling.When the pandemic started, the box was removed to Lynton where it was thought the contents would more usuefully support Lynton food bank. Carol has now reinstated the box in the porch with the invitation to donate extra bits (non perishable food) and for those struggling to put a meal on the table, feel free to take what you need.
Happy Christmas, God bless,Samanthaservice text and sermon
Dear Friends,We have travelled through another Advent season which has brought unexpected pauses and the disruption of our best laid plans. Across our country now there are signs of strain and for so many people all that is not easy in life is at the forefront of their minds. In our world extremes of weather and the hostility of war make the headlinesYet, today is Christmas Eve. Across the world today and tomorrow people will still gather to pause and hear of the birth of a baby in a time of strain and challenge, in a nation under oppression; to pause at the image of a small family gathering visiting strangers; to pause perhaps long to hear that this birth is greeted in heaven by a chorus of heavenly joy, divine joy: the gift of God's son to offer love's healing in the world.I pray that as we pause, at home or in church to listen to the love song of the angels, our celebration of Christmas will renew our trust that love is stronger than all that opposes it, and that in the love of God, given to us in the birth of a child, lies the hope for a better world.May the joy of the angelsThe eagerness of the shepherdsThe perseverance of the wise menThe obedience of Mary and Joseph,And the peace of the Christ child be yours this Christmas May you know in your hearts, the love that comes down for you at ChristmasGod bless, Happy Christmas,SamanthaThank you for all your Chritsmas greetings and cards.I hope to see many of you at our services, and hold those of you I won't see in my prayers.Christmas Eve12 noon - 1pm St Mary's Lynton: informal time to light a candle and give thanks for those who have gone before us3pm St Mary's Lynton Candles at the Crib4pm Lee Abbey Nativity on the Farm11.30pm St John's Lynmouth Midnight MassChristmas Day9am Christchurch Parracombe Christmas Communion 11am Christmas Communion St Mary's Lynton Christmas Communion.
The carol service is cancelled. Rev'd Samantha says; Dear Friends,Cancelled: Parracombe 6pm Carol Service I am very sad to have to have made the decision to cancel the Carol Service at Parracombe tonight but much of the area around the church is still extremely icy under the rain this morning - and apparently roads around Parracombe have been made worse by the overnight conditions.Thank you to everyone in the Mission Community who has been involved with planning our Carols Services this year but who has been wise in assessing risk and deciding we have to let go of our wish to go ahead with them. I hope that "All is clear, all is bright" next weekend when we can raise our voices with added joy to welcome the Christ child.In the meantime continue to keep warm and safe.God blessSamantha
