Thank you to all who attended our Christmas services in Christ Church. It was so good to see so many people in the Church after another difficult year. The Archdeacon of Barnstaple, Venerable Verena Breed and Revd. Samantha officiated at Plough Sunday. The young farmers carried the plough into the Church for the blessing of the plough and also participated in the service. The offertory was in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.
Dear Friends,This Sunday we are celebrating Epiphany in the morning and Plough Sunday in the afternoon! The celebration of the arrival of the wise ones to find Jesus reminds us that Jesus' birth helps all of us discover that God is with us, here in our daily lives: in our homes and neighbourhoods, God is present all the time. Our own lives, with all their different experiences can be the journey we take to come ever closer to realising that presence is with us. That maybe one of the reasons why there is a tradition of chalking a blessing above the door of our homes at Epiphany - and I've attached the traditional form of letters and numbers and there are some blessing prayers at the end of the sermon attached.Apparently, in the past, the Monday after Epiphany was the day when ploughing began so the Sunday after Epiphany was known as Plough Sunday when the plough was brought to church for blessing, a blessing on the daily work of all those who farm. Maintaining that tradition with the annual service at Parracombe gives us a chance to show our gratitude for the dependence we have on the dedication of our farmers and a reminder that the land we treasure is God's gift, which also powerfully leads us to find God's presence with us. This year, Archdeacon Verena, who arrived to be Archdeacon of Barnstaple in September, is joining us to lead the service and preach. This morning I have recorded the prayers and sermon I wanted to send out, but as once before the technology has thrown up a glitch and it plays back silently and in slow motion. My intention for this New Year is to value silence and slowing down - but I am not sure that I meant it quite so literally! I'm attaching the prayers and sermon, with the house blessing as promised. If I can do a better recording I'll send it later!God bless,SamanthaServices 9th January:9am Martinhoe Holy Communion (BCP)11am Lynton Holy Communion3pm Parracombe Blessing of the PloughFace Coverings must be worn throughout our services (unless medically exempt). Please observe physical distancing. Sadly, for the time being we have suspended the serving of refreshments.
Dear Friends,I hope that, however you spent the last few days, you have experienced something of the renewal of hope that celebrating the presence of Christ among us can bring. I'm attaching with this email the sermon I preached on Sunday which explored the different journeys in the early life of Jesus that people made to find him. As we look back over the past year in these final days of 2021 I invite you to find some quiet time to reflect on your journey with God this year. When did you feel God close to you? When did God seem to be more at a distance? Can you talk to God, pray, about your hopes and concerns for the year to come? What grace, gift, from God would you really like? Ask God for it. A quick reminder - the usual pattern of services for the first Sunday of the month is disrupted this month.On Sunday 2nd January there is no service at Parracombethere is no service at BarbrookThe only service will be at 11am Morning Worship at Lynton and I am grateful to the church wardens who will be leading itLooking forward to Sunday 9th January: Epiphany and Plough Sunday9am Holy Communion (BCP) Martinhoe11am Holy Communion Lynton3pm Parracombe: Plough Sunday - the blessing of the plough with Archdeacon Verena. Many thanks, once more, for all your Christmas cards and greetings.God blessSamantha
Dear Friends,Happy ChristmasIn the midst of times that are still not easy, it is my prayer that we may all experience the deep love from God which the birth of Jesus reveals, the peace of heart that is God’s message from the angels and goodwill amongst our families, friends and communities that is also part of the angels’ song.May the familiar words of readings and carols touch your heart with the light and life that is God’s desire for you.Thank you for all the warm greetings I have received – I really appreciate the kind words and lovely cards that have come my way in the last few weeks and wish you and your families the joy of this season too!Many you know the many blessing of Christmas now, and in the coming year,SamanthaOur service pattern is:Christmas Eve 11.30 pm Lynmouth Holy CommunionChristmas Day 9am Parracombe Family Communion11am Lynton Holy CommunionBoxing Day9am Brendon Holy Communion (BCP)11am Lynton Holy Communion ( a quiet said service)Face coverings should be worn throughout all services and I would encourage people to use the full capacity of the church to sit in as physically distant a way as is comfortable. If you are regularly using lateral flow tests, we would appreciate you testing before coming to services.I know some people will not feel comfortable coming to church. In addition to my short video, here are details of what is available on television, radio and on line:Church of England online services can be found here:https://www.churchofengland.org/our-faith/what-we-believe/advent-and-christmas/advent-and-christmas-servicesDiocese of Exeter resources: https://exeter.anglican.org/resources/worship/sunday-services-to-watch-online/Some BBC programming:Christmas EveRadio 4 3pm A festival of Nine Lessons and CarolsBBC 2 6.15 Carols from KingsBBC 1 11.45 pm Midnight MassChristmas Day BBC1 10am Christmas Morning from Coventry Cathedral
