Dear Friends, To stay in tune with the theme of my sermon I am also going to pause the series of ideas for Growing in Prayer, Making New Disciples and Serving with Joy, through the month of August. There is a lot going on for many of our churches this month - whether dealing with practical issues, hosting special services, or finding ways to keep the doors open more frequently so my suggestion is that rather than focus on new ideas over the next month we just notice how these activities already connect us with the principles of the diocesan vision. God bless Samantha
Dear All,I am delighted to be taking a wedding today, but that means my full mailout with sermons and prayers may come later in the day and I wanted to let you know about slight changes to worship this week in good time this morning. After due consideration about the numbers at services, and balancing the anxiety of some people and the desire to get back to fuller worship of others at churches this week we ask everyone to continue to wear a face covering, and to sit in physically distanced seating but :at Parracombe 9.00am Holy Communion we will sing the first and the last hymn outside the church - (weather permitting!)at Lynton 11am Holy Communion we will sing the first and last hymn (in church)at Barbrook 3pm Holy Communion we will make a decision about singing based on what those who are there are comfortable withat Countisbury 8.30 Epilogue there will be sung hymns as last week (in church)I hope this outline helps you feel confident in choosing to come to a service that suits you. If you have not yet felt able to return to gathered worship and would like to talk to me about how you are feeling, do drop me an email or give me a ring,God blessSamantha
Dear Friends,It was very special to be able to hold the Leavers' Services for Parracombe and Lynton Primary schools in their respective churches last week. Teachers took the opportunity to tell those leaving just how much they had valued sharing in their school journey, especially through this really challenging last year, and just how special each child was, clebrating all they had contributed to school life. The West Exmoor Fedreation vision is "Educating with love for life in all its fullness" and the warmth and range of memories the children shared wonderfully reflected that. At the end of the service I invited them into a form of prayer which we also used at Countisbury last week, so I offer it to you the version I used at Countisbury at the end of this note as part of the Growing in prayer series.It has been good to begin discussions with some of you about plans for worship and church opening in the coming weeks. As I indicated, we won't change anything at Holy Communion services this week but I will let you know when each church has a plan for how they want to adapt to the current circumstances. Services this week: 9am Holy Communion (BCP) Brendon11am Holy Communion Lynton8.30pm Epilogue (Following a discussion with those present last week we will be given singing hymns a try, remaining socially distanced and with face covering still worn )Next week9am Holy Communion Parracombe11am Holy Communion Lynton8.30pm EpilogueGrowing in prayer:I would like to offer you an image to carry into prayer.It is of a set of concentric circles – through which we might offer God’s love.At the centre is you – God’s beloved creation made just as you are in God’s delight. Treasure yourself, take care of yourself with the love that reflects God’s love for you.Then around you, those closest to you who it is easy to love and take care of with their best interests at heartThen those who are familiar and friendly, it is probably not difficult to act with their well being in mind.Then those with whom you have little in common, those perhaps you find it hard to love. Remember the Good Samaritan who became a neighbour by focusing on an enemy’s need – how might thinking of what the difficult people in your life need, help you extend love to them?May the love of God and the love of our neighbour guide us in peace through the coming days.Allow God to see you now just as you areAsk God for what you need in the coming week……Father, you know what we need before we ask, and are more ready to give than we are to ask. Show us your grace and love in the needs we have offered you now. AmenHold those closest to you in your heart….Ask God for what they need in the coming week…..Father, we ask your blessing on our families, our friends, all those who are beloved to us – meet them in their need, and bring them your protection and peaceThink about your acquaintances, those around us in daily life in our communityAsk God for the good things you desire for them……Father, we give thanks for those whose lives touch ours. You know better than we do what they long for and need. May our actions towards them share in fulfilling your loving purposes for them.If there are people or groups of people that you find it difficult to care about, name them to God.Ask God for help to see their needs, and desire their well beingFather, may we see more clearly your image in all those from whom we feel estranged, and find in awareness of their needs and fragility a seeding ground for love and true neighbourliness.May we be willing too, to find grace when they extend friendship to us in our vulnerability too.Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring love. Where there is offence, let me bring pardon. Where there is discord, let me bring union. Where there is error, let me bring truth. Where there is doubt, let me bring faith. Where there is despair, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness, let me bring your light. Where there is sadness, let me bring joyGod blessSamantha
Thank you to all those who came and supported the coffee morning. I think you will agree we were very lucky with the weather. For many it was at last an opportunity to get out and meet with friends. You will know that we are constantly battling to maintain the upkeep oft the building. During the lockdowns, when the church has been closed, we have had no congregations and no collections. We are pleased to say you can now support your church through online donations. Please see the link on the left.
