Price £1 when sold

Mission Community Christmas Services

Christingle Lympstone 4.00 pm on Sunday 20 December Littleham 5.00 - 7.00 pm on 24 December (see page 12)

Crib service Holy Trinity 5.00 pm 24 December

Midnight Mass Lympstone, Holy Trinity and Littleham 11.30 pm on 24 December) There will also be a Eucharist at Holy Trinity on Christmas Eve at 8.30 pm

Christmas Day Lympstone, Holy Trinity and Littleham 10.00 am

BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT & CHRISTMAS MORNING SERVICES As we expect the number of people wishing to attend services over Christmas to be higher than normal and with COVID restrictions still in operation, to allow us to operate in a COVID safe manner, and aid our older congregation, we would ask you to book for each service you wish to attend (Midnight and/or Christmas Day Service). Plus additionally at Holy Trinity only a Christmas Eucharist @ 8.30pm on Christmas Eve. For HOLY TRINITY on 01395 741257 between Noon Tuesday to Friday Noon from We wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year

MISSION COMMUNITY INFORMATION CHURCH SERVICES Sunday services in church will continue as below until further notice.

Lympstone @ 9.30 am (No booking required) Holy Trinity @ 10.30 am (Book via 01395 741257) Littleham @ 11.30 am (Book via 01395 263681)

To reserve a place, use phone numbers above, from noon on Tuesday to noon on Fridays. Spaces are very limited. Leave your NAME & CONTACT NUMBER if no answer and we will confirm your booking, but please bear with us, if permitted numbers are reached.

Please remember you will need to wear a mask at services in church, plus bring along your own cushion to soften the pew!!!

If you are unable or are reluctant to join us in Church and have internet access our YouTube service is available each Sunday. Just search for YouTube then look for Exmouth Coastal Churches:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=exmouth+coastal+churches

If you do not have internet access why not use ‘Daily Hope’ on 0800 804 8044 - its FREE

CLERGY— READERS —STAFF

Clergy Day Off The Revd Steven Jones Team Rector 263681 Office 01395 266442 Friday

The Revd Benedict Cambridge Team Vicar 263681 hours 07535480077 Thursday

Licensed Readers Readers and Clergy who also play an active role in the Mission Community Mrs Elizabeth Burren 264010

Mrs Demelza Henderson 272243 Readers: Pauline Mortimer , Di West Clergy: Revds. Preb. Margaret Cameron, The Ven. Youth and Family Workers Canon Dr Trevor Jones , Tony Mortimer, Peter Nickols Rawle, Canon John Philpott, & Canon Ian Pusey Mrs Brooke Haycock, 263681 (Sat. & Wed - Days off) all of whom can be contacted via the Mrs Fionna Upchurch 263681 ( Works Fri, & 1 Sun) Mission Community Office

Office email address: [email protected]: http://exmouthcoastalchurches.org.uk

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So, a better passage to have with you in the Team Vicar’s Topics..... waiting and the watching is this one from Luke’s Gospel:

This is very definitely the “8 And there were shepherds living out in strangest Advent season I the fields near by, keeping watch over their have lived through. flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around One consolation is that we them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel will, at least, be in church said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good for Christmas, which is news that will cause great joy for all the better than we got at Easter people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour … but, I suppose, you has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the never know! We are also Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: you will find promised a ‘holiday’ from a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a restrictions so we can all have Christmas with our manger.’ families, though how many people will take the 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly government up on that, I am not sure. How good is host appeared with the angel, praising God and the scientific evidence that COVID-19 also takes saying, Christmas off? Will it be like 1914 when the men 14 ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Welch Fusiliers and on earth peace to those on whom his played a football match with the German Battalion favour rests.’ (Luke 2:8-14) 371? Will virologists and epidemiologists play a chummy game of football with the virus? I doubt it. It is the moment when the veil of heaven is torn We shouldn’t forget that the Germans won that aside and the glory of God breaks though in match 2-1. exultation that the millennia of longing and waiting of his people has been fulfilled. Joking aside, this has been quite a year for many. So many have faced grief and disappointment, lingering My prayer this Christmas is that we all are able to ill health and the loss of opportunities and prospects. focus not on the roaring lion but on the promises All of us, I am sure have suffered from the isolation of God fulfilled in Jesus; promises that speak life and creeping sense of threat that this virus has brought. If I might paraphrase 1 Peter 5:8-9, and can speak life into us, wherever we are. Benedict Cambridge “8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy [COVID-19] prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Sobering words, but they are often quoted unhooked from the previous verse, which is quite unhelpful. Verse 7 is, “7 Cast all your anxiety on [Jesus] because he cares for you.”

Advent is a season of preparation. It is a season of watching and waiting, of expectation, excitement, and hope. It takes it’s lead from that mix of feelings that both Elizabeth and Mary had when they were expecting and builds on the pregnant hope in the coming Messiah that the people of God had from the moment God promised them a son of Adam that would crush the serpent’s head.

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Mission Community News EXCITING OPPORTUNITY MISSION FOCUS COMMITTEE

We are currently looking for a Mission Community Good News! In spite of the financial difficulties that all volunteer who has experience (within the last five years) churches are facing we have been able to fulfil the of writing grant applications to funding bodies. commitment to send to the six mission agencies we support the full 10% of 2019’s giving. This volunteer would hopefully be able to offer a couple of hours each week to work with the Rector in helping The beneficiaries are Church Mission Society, Missionary support the Mission Community in securing grant funding Aviation Fellowship, Church’s Ministry Among Jewish over a wide range of projects and issues. people, Open Door (here in Exmouth), Church Army and

Barnabas Fund. Between them they will have shared If you are interested in finding out more, please email Steve at [email protected]. £17,017. The treasurer has received warm letters of appreciation. FIELD OF REMEMBRANCE @ HOLY TRINITY News has come from the Sharlands in Aua, West Nile, Uganda. They write of living in the unexplored world of With the second lockdown for COVID- ‘Covidland.’ Taking their cue from Isaiah 40:31 – But 19 running across Remembrance those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength – Sunday (8 November) and Armistice they see their role as being “midwives of hope.” That is a Day (11 November), it was proposed very fitting role for Heather as she co-ordinates the HT host a Field of Remembrance from diocesan health programme. Lockdown with school 4 - 14 November closures has led more unwanted pregnancies, selling of child brides to make ends meet, child abuse and gender- The picture shows the quiet area to one side of the Vestry based violence. A soap-making project has been started to at the East End of Holy Trinity Church. A wreath from engage some of the girls. David finds that lockdown has the Mission Community was placed, initially, on the grass led to an increased consumption of the locally-brewed and then re-located at the top of the white cross. A cheap and strong beer - marua. A bar close to their home number of named poppies and crosses were also is called Avob’a – The Place of Death. A locally grown installed, plus some from individuals including children drug similar to marijuana (murungi)is very dangerous and from the Beacon School. badly affecting those who are already stressed. David is

producing posters warning against it. A brief service was held at the Field of Remembrance on

Armistice Day at 11am, including a 2 minute silence, by children from The Beacon School. Some passers by also In Devonport Covid-19 has had a bigger impact than in stopped to pay their respects and observed the 2 minutes other parts of the South West, writes Ruth Sayers in her silence. Christmas Prayer Letter. The school of which Ruth is Chair of Governors has coped well adapting to changing This is just one of the ways our Mission Community is circumstances. Youth worker, Simon, continues to supporting the local community of Littleham & Exmouth. encourage young people to deliver food to the needy on the bikes he has been able to hire as well as developing a mental health programme for youngsters at the City College.

Lockdown restrictions mean that Ruth’s work with the Work Club is greatly reduced but is needed with ever- increasing unemployment rates. At present she is seeking ways of implementing a school meals’ project over the Christmas holidays and of providing for those who will be on their own over Christmas.

Do pray for our mission partners who are at the sharp end combating the pandemic and at the same time witnessing to the love of God for those who are hurting.

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Mission Community News A YEAR TO REMEMBER This year has also been a difficult time financially for many churches who were already under financial pressure This has certainly been a in 2019. In our Mission Community we have fared better year to remember, with us than we might have done, due to the number of saints living through one of the who were able to keep their offerings coming in, even most significant events when they were not able to attend church. Bless you all. during the last hundred years. That having been said, the significant offerings that we typically see during Holy Week, Advent and Christmas The national lockdown that started on the 23 March will be much reduced this year. Furthermore, for most of necessitated a severely curtailed celebration of Holy 2020 we have been unable to rent out our buildingsto the Week, which then led us into months of challenges and many community organisations who regularly use them. changes to national and church life that have tested the This has led to notable financial deficits in both parishes most durable of us. Christmas 2020 will also not be the for this year, the most substantial of those being at one we had hoped for. Littleham-cum-Exmouth.

The year has seen many deaths, much grieving, and many I would therefore like to ask you to consider whether you personal and economic losses. However, 2020 has also might be able to make a further donation to your parish seen some real heroism, great personal sacrifice, and a this year to help us overcome our 2020 financial shortfall. true spirit of compassion across our communities. It is a Large gift or small gift, every penny really helps. If you testimony to the vitality of the Spirit of God how well the would like to give such an offering, please speak to your Church has risen to the challenges and found new ways treasurers or churchwardens who will ensure that we are for the saints to worship and fellowship together. Not able to claim Gift Aid from your donation, where that is many of us, a year ago, had ever heard of Zoom, or possible. If you would like to post a donation to us, please considered watching a YouTube service. Prayerfully, we write to The Mission Community Office, Holy Trinity have adapted, developed our creativity, worked Church, 2 Rolle Road, Exmouth, EX8 2AB. collaboratively together, and have sustained the practice of our faith. Preparing for a better 2021, we have already been working hard to creatively develop new opportunities to This year I have been reminded just how tough our senior grow our parish incomes. I look forward to sharing some saints are, as many have battled loneliness and isolation of those initiatives with you in early 2021. May the Lord without surrendering to those unwelcome intruders. As a bless you and your families this Christmas and New Year, Mission Community we applaud and bless our senior and may you know Christ’s peace in abundant measure. sisters and brothers. As we anticipate the future availability of the corona virus vaccine, we now just start Rev’d Steve Jones -Rector to imagine what life might be like again, when a measure of normality returns to the parishes. Some things will never be the same again. This current church-going generation will never again take for granted the ability to gather for worship, to sing songs of praise, and to receive the Eucharist in both kinds.

We have also discovered that there is a whole new community of people outside of the Church who are interested in spiritual things. Managing during the pandemic has equipped us with the skills necessary to connect with this group digitally. New technologies must now feature as part of the missional strategy for any parish that has a real desire to grow. Additional potential disciples of Jesus Christ are out there waiting for us to engage with them through fibre internet and 4G. In 2021, as a Mission Community, we will be considering how we might do this effectively.

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Mission Community News ANGELS OF HOPE ZOOM MISSION COMMUNITY CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER The Diocese of Exeter asked people to knit ‘Angels of Hope’ to decorate the Cathedral tree this Christmas. Be still and know that I am God (Ps 46.10) Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who I have been using up all the odd scraps of wool I had and wait for the Lord (Ps 31.24) have enjoyed doing so during ‘Lockdown’. Since not everyone can access the pattern which appeared in the Being still, and waiting for God to speak into our hearts, Diocesan ‘ Roots’ magazine I thought some of those with is vital for deepening our experience of prayer. We a bit of time on their hands might like to knit some for our cannot reasonably expect to receive God’s words for us if Christmas trees in Church. we can’t make time to be still enough and quiet enough to hear them – and likewise, if we’re so busy using our own words, or doing good deeds, we squeeze out the whisper of the Holy Spirit.

Recently, a few people from across the Mission

Community have been joining together, via Zoom, for a period of silent prayer and contemplation from 12.30pm on the first Tuesday of each month, and we would love you to join us.

It’s very informal – a period of about 20 minutes of silence is introduced with a short Bible reading and/or Angels of Hope Pattern other meditative reading, poetry or music, and finished with a short prayer. All you have to do is protect the time, Any wool – 3.25 or 4m needles + darning needle and commit to sitting quietly with God. It might feel odd Body to pray in silence in your own home, but there is Cast on 48 stitches something very special about sharing that sacred space Row 1 Knit with others (even virtually), and it is always a great Row 2 Purl (These 2 rows are stocking stitch SS) encouragement to know that we are praying in Row 3 K2 together K 10* repeat to end community with others. You are, of course, welcome to Rows 4&5 SS pray alongside us on a Tuesday lunchtime without the Row 6 P2 tog P 9* repeat to end Zoom link! Rows 7&8 SS Karen Hoole (in the Holy Trinity Office) can provide you Row 9 K2 tog K8* repeat to end with the link to each of the Zoom meetings (the next one Rows 10 &11 SS is on Tuesday 5 January 2021), and any other questions Row 12 P 2tog P7* repeat to end can be directed to Demelza Henderson (272243). Row 13&14 SS Row 15 K2 tog K 6* repeat to end Demelza Henderson Rows 16 &17 SS Row 18 P 2tog P5 * repeat to end JOY JELFS Rows 19 & 20 SS

Row 21 K 2tog K4* repeat to end (20 stitches) We shall remember Joy with great thanksgiving; a former Rows 22 – 33 SS churchwarden of Littleham, a Christian lady of great faith Row 34 K 2 tog along row and commitment, Joy was a ready and willing helper to Row 35 & 36 SS many over the years. Many of us will recall that she Row 37 K 2tog along row – cut wool run wool through moved to Exeter to live with Bridget at the beginning of stitches secure and sew up, the Pandemic. She had kidney problems for some years Stuff head with cotton wool – run thread at neck. and needed regular dialysis and being in Exeter meant Tie loosely leaving ends for hanging on tree shorter journeys to and from the RD&E for that crucial Wings need. Joy died peacefully in the RD&E on 19 November. Cast on 27 stitches (loosely) May she rest in peace – and rise in glory! Row 1 & 2 K Ian Pusey Row 3 K 2tog at each end of row. Joys Funeral is on Monday 14 December and can be Row 4 K accessed on line using the following details K2 tog every row until 3 stitches remain . https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view Cast off. Login / Order ID: 58310 Attach to back of angel Password: jcjnqtyd 6

Mission Community News

FAREWELL FROM JANE & KEITH Book Review Befriending Silence by Just to say, Keith and I are off to pastures new on the 5 Carol McColman January! We are moving to Suffolk to be closer to our daughter Liz and fiancé Russ. We live in a world with far too many words. We can now watch 24-hour news, They moved there as they no longer needed to be working tune in to hundreds of TV channels, in London. It’s great for them, working from home, and receive instant updates about everything to be able to see her horses from the kitchen window, in on our smart phones, and you don’t have her dream house! to walk more than twenty paces in Exmouth without finding someone willing to talk your ear off. We found a house only twenty minutes away from them, so after driving three to four hours to see them for many Monastic spirituality, particularly that of the strict years, we are delighted. religious orders like the Cistercians, is the antithesis of such a life. It is about cutting back and living on the We have been very happy in Exmouth, and for me at essentials. For the Cistercian monk, silence is where the Littleham Church. I certainly will miss the lovely people human being finds and develops a relationship, firstly I’ve had the pleasure to spend time with, joining various with God, and then with oneself. groups over the years. We’ve been here fifteen years, one of the longest times anywhere! The still small voice of God is found to be beautifully

audible and resonant in the embraced silence of a slowed- Thank you all for being there for me, I hope we find the down life. I know myself, what it is like to be unable to same welcome in the village we’re going to. hear God due of the constant ambient chatter surrounding

me. Carl McColman’s book is a refreshing plunge into an My love to you all, keep well, and be happy. ancient and yet vivid expression of Christianity. It is a

world where simple is very good, less is much more, Jane Ladbury silence is truly golden, and hard work is prayer in motion. (Ed. We thank Jane for all she has done for the Church and the Community in Exmouth. From Pastoral Link to You will find this book challenging, and encouraging, Choir to, Night Shift, and leader of Walkie Talkies and and it will make you really think about the practice of her care and friendship-she will be greatly missed. We your faith. wish her and Keith every happiness in their new home, Publisher: Ave Maria Press ISBN: 978-1594716157 Pauline Mortimer) Steve Jones—Rector MISSION COMMUNITY OFFICIALS & CONTACT DETAILS

Mission Community Administrator Karen Hoole, Mission Community Office, Holy Trinity Church, Rolle Road, Exmouth EX8 2AB Tel.263681

Churchwardens

Holy Trinity Mike Goom 741257 Paul Stock Deputies Diana Cosslett 266428 Clive House 708262

Littleham Di West 744051 Martyn Haley 227864 Deputies Janet King 07967885821 Debra Frost

Lympstone Jeff Russell 07498 714870 Deputies Jean Young 271788 Demelza Henderson 272243

Hon. Treasurers: Holy Trinity & Littleham—Bob Soutter 273400 Lympstone—John Lupton 275014

Office email address: [email protected]: http://exmouthcoastalchurches.org.uk

Facebook page: exmouth coastal churches

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The Times Are A’Changin’ No.4 And Comin’ To An End, Say Some

(Preface: the understanding of the book of Revelation assumed by me in this article is not held by all Christians including the Rector, but he is happy for it to be published).

Some astrophysicists and geologists say that there have been five or six times when a catastrophic event has changed the earth’s appearance almost beyond recognition. Recent books have focused on end of time themes. Tony Ord’s The Precipice – Existential Risk and the Future envisages Artificial Intelligence out of control and an asteroid hitting the earth. As a result, those able to leave the earth head for planetary locations. There’s Mark O’Connell’s book From an Apocalypse: A Personal Journey to the End of the World and Back in which the What, though, are we to make of the Bible’s apocalyptic author confronts a great variety of issues that threaten life literature like Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24, Paul’s in on earth. A recent book by Robert Harris is a novel set in Thessalonians and John’s in Revelation? Devon in 1468. However, the 1468 of The Second Sleep is not that of the late medieval/early modern period of our Such literature is called apocalyptic from the Greek history but the 1468 following an unexplained catastrophe apokalypsis which doesn’t mean cataclysmic but after which the calendar is reset with the ominously revelation with the sense of unveiling. Thus, Jesus sounding year 666 as the first year of a new age. One is unveils what will soon happen with the fall of Jerusalem left to assume that it is humanity’s folly that has (AD 70) and John unveils what is happening behind the destroyed 21st century civilization as we now know it. scenes as the church enters a time of severe persecution at the hands of the Roman authorities. Here’s John right at If all that sounds rather scary, then remember that the beginning of the book: “The revelation of Jesus December isn’t just about Christmas preparations but is Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what also the season of Advent when we prepare to celebrate must soon take place. He made it known by sending his Christ’s first coming and are reminded of his second. On angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he 5 December we shall read this: “But the day of the Lord saw – that is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a Christ. Blessed is the one who reads the words of this roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to and everything in it will be laid bare” (2 Peter 3:10). heart what is written in it, because the time is near. (1:1- 3).He writes it as one who is sharing with other Christians If the first paragraph about contemporary books sounds both persecution and the presence of the kingdom with too unnerving to be contemplated with equanimity, then patient endurance (1:9). Canon Ian Paul says that John’s the Bible itself can be very unnerving. Read against a language in Revelation is not referring to an extraordinary background of fire burning up vast areas of California, future time, but is extraordinary language used to help us Oregon, Australia and Siberia and the world in the grip of in the ordinary though testing times of human existence. a virus transmitted from bats to humans, the book of Revelation can seem all too real. In Revelation 6 a white The book of Revelation should be seen not as a prophecy horse represents warfare in general and a fiery red one of present or future times but as an unveiling of the great bloodshed in particular; a black horse stands for famine truth that God is active behind the scenes of all troubled and a pale one for death brought on by plague and the times. So it is that in these times we are to take great wild beasts of the earth. Our ‘end of the world’ scenarios comfort from the fact that “the dwelling of God is with encouraged fundamentalist preachers earlier in the year to men, and he will live with them” (21:3). Revelation is announce that Christ’s return was imminent and so there to support us with the thought that God is Sovereign believers should be ready to be taken up in the Rapture over all even when the times are out of joint. Paul put it whilst unbelievers would be left on earth to fight it out for like this: a thousand years. The times, they say, are about to change “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than big time. ‘Very cheerful,’ I hear you saying through all we ask or imagine , according to his power that is at gritted teeth. Please note, however, that what the four work, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus horsemen of the apocalypse represent have been constant throughout all generations for ever and ever! factors in human history and should not be seen simply as Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20,21) heralds of the end times. John Philpott

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FAMILY MATTERS CONGRATULATIONS X 2 WE HOPE THE MOVE WENT SPEEDILY!

A farewell from Patricia Speedy as she left Devon for her new home near Battle, East Sussex on 2 November

A MESSAGE OF THANKS I actually have two announcements. Not only did I gain FROM my PhD in Theology in March but I have also just been CHARLES JACKSON recommended by the BAP for ordination training, beginning in September! I am both a Doctor and an Ordinand! Not bad for 2020! A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Mary and Eileen Alvis send their Best Wishes for Christmas and 2021

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR CHURCH FAMILY

We are very aware that usually at May the Peace Christmas time many members of our Church Family exchange Christmas of the Christ Cards. This year because of the reduced Child numbers at our services we suspect that some people might not be able to greet be God’s gift their friends as in past years , so the Net editors thought they would wish all those to you people who have not been able to send or receive cards a greeting on their behalf. this Christmas

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MISSION FOCUS FOR DECEMBER/JANUARY The Church’s Ministry among Jewish people

CMJ continues to take the good news of Jesus the Jewish Messiah to His own people & to show them love. Our goal remains to encourage Jewish people to come to faith in Jesus as their Messiah, to support them in serving Him & to equip the church to be involved in this mission. Today CMJ as well as work in the UK & Israel has partners in Australia/NZ, Canada, France, Hong Kong, India, S.Africa& the USA.But the 3 fold ministry of EDUCATION, EVANGELISM, & ENCOURAGEMENT permeates through everything they do. In this issue we will pay special attention to a major publication from the Church of England in 2019. GOD’S UNFAILING WORD is a MAJOR REPORT ON CHRISTIAN JEWISH RELATIONS. It will influence the Church for generations to come. It covers critical issues such as Mission & Evangelism, Preaching & Teaching & the Land of Israel. “How the Church relates to Jewish people is a key part of our Christian formation & discipleship”. Justin Welby. CMJ UK have a short study guide available for those who would like to look into this in more detail. There are also a series of short videos available on YouTube where Alex Jacob introduces each section (just search for CMJ UK on YouTube). JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD WAS A JEWISH BABY BORN IN BETHELEHEM TO A JEWISH FAMILY. Lately there has been talk about the ethnicityof Jesus, whether black, white or somewhere in between. This debate around our Lord’s skin colour has arisen out of the Black Lives Matter protests.”“Jesus lived & died as a Jew. The scriptures that informed & guided the life of Jesus were the books the Church now refers to as the OldTestament. Both Christians & Jews receive them as inspired by God, & both use them as common texts for worship & prayer” (God’s Unfailing Word) EDUCATING THE CHURCH ABOUT THE JEWISH ROOTS OF OUR FAITH IS A MAJOR PART OF THE MINISTRY OF CMJ CHURCH: WE MUST REPENT OVER OUR ANTI-SEMITIC HISTORY. Part of the witness the Church needs to offer… is to show repentance for the sins of the past…& awareness of the long shadow those sins cast in the present.(God’s Unfailing Word) COMBATING ANTI-SEMITISM IS ALSO A MAJOR PART OF CMJ’S MINISTRY The Rev John Fieldsend, a former Kindertransport child & a former director of CMJ UK, has recently received an MBE for his service to Holocaust Education. SHARING THE HOPE OF SALVATION WITHIN US? (EVANGELISM)“To share the hope of salvation within us, a hope coming from Jesus Christ, is core to what Christians do, but we are told to do so with gentleness & grace. We cannot do that until we have felt the cruelty of our history.” Justin Welby. (God’s Unfailing Word). THIS WOULD BE EXACTLY THE STANCE OF CMJ IN SHARING THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS THE MESSIAH WITH JEWISH PEOPLE.THIS IS DONE WITH SENSITIVITY, GRACE & LOVE. Our Community Based Evangelist Tania led Steph to faith in Jesus. They met in 2015. Steph who is Jewish had been searching for many years, & after reading Jewish, Christian & Islamic texts, found herself drawn to Jesus. After Church shopping for a while she met Tania who explained the gospel to her & she started on her journey of faith. “Tania demonstrated incredible patience & I really started to understand the gospel.” Incredibly Tania has felt herself called to be a missionary in Columbia & she will start this new chapter of her journey in 2021. IN ISRAEL OUR MERCY FUND PROVIDES VITAL HELP DURING THE PANDEMIC. From it’s beginning in 1838, Christ Church has been committed to helping the poor & sick in Jerusalem & beyond. During the pandemic many more people than usual needed help & CMJ supporters around the world began to send donations. Staff came together to box up food, clothes & other items & they were distributed to Jewish, Arabs & Gypsy families in need. A handyman has been hired to do much needed repairs in homes. Another project is to provide computers for the children of poor Jewish & Arab families. Helping women escape the sex trade & start new lives is another priority. The Christ Church Mercy Fund reflects God’s own character of mercy & goodness. Learn more about CMJ @www.cmj.org.uk & @www.cmj-israel.org

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.CHRISTINGLE 2020 THE FEAST OF EPIPHANY Procession and Celebration Service This year our Christingle services are going to look a little different. Due to the COVID 19 restrictions we are not able to have our usual Christingle service at Littleham. Normally hundreds of local people pack into

the church to start their family Christmas celebrations.

This year, sadly, we cannot do that. However, to enable Christingle in a different way we have put together a special video hosted by George Cambridge in which people can learn all about the meaning of the Christingle and how to make their own Christingle at home. You can find the video by going to YouTube.com and searching for Exmouth Coastal Churches. Once people have made their Christingle, on Christmas Eve between 4.00 pm and On Wednesday 6 January at Holy Trinity, we will be 7.00 pm family bubbles of up to six people can come celebrating the revelation to the world of God in the down to what will be a beautifully candlelit and decorated Christ Childin our Feast of Epiphany procession and Littleham Church, where they will be able to light their Eucharistic celebration service. Christingles and receive a Christmas blessing. Booking is not necessary to attend at Littleham. This will be a joint Mission Community service, and the liturgy will involve people from all three churches. The Lympstone‘s Christingle service will be taking place in festivities will begin with three wise kings in costume the Lympstone parish church, in a slightly simplified form, at 4.00 pm on Sunday 20 December. Booking is not carrying lanterns processing through the streets of necessary for this service. Exmouth and arriving at Holy Trinity with their gifts at 6.00 pm. During the service, the kings will present their Holy Trinity will be hosting a Crib Service for local gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh before the Infant families and children at 5.00 pm on Christmas Eve. If you Jesus. would like to join us for the Crib Service, please call church warden Mike Goom on 01395 741257 to book This stirring service will be beautifully candlelit and will your place. feature uplifting music and songs from our combined choirs. We hope to video the service for those who are In case you have a digital version of the Net, here is the unable to attend. If you would like to join us for this link to the video: special service, please call church warden Mike Goom on https://youtu.be/7leeiG_ME0E 01395 741257 to book your place LYMPSTONE CHURCH CHRISTMAS CARDS

Lympstone Church's beautiful Christmas Cards featuring the lovely stained glass windows of the Church are for sale at the in Lympstone Village shop.

NOVEMBER CROSSWORD ANSWERS

ACROSS: 1, Thanks. 4, Banner. 8, Esher. 9, Azariah. 10, Compare. 11, Ishma. 12, Doorposts. 17, Oaths. 19, Galatia. 21, Papyrus. 22, Frail. 23, Listen. 24, Hyssop.

DOWN: 1, Trench. 2, Ashamed. 3, Karma. 5, Ananias. 6, Neigh. 7, Reheat. 9, Areopagus. 13, Observe. 14, Satraps. 15, Compel. 16, Gallop. 18, Tapes. 20, Lofty.

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LITTLEHAM YOUTH NOTE FROM HELEN COLEMAN

Each Sunday evening we run our "As many of you know, I have spent the last three weeks Lighthouse Group for ages 14 and up over helping to look after Sally Bowyer, in her final illness, zoom. We have done lots of things such as and also her Maltese/Yorkshire terrier cross, a pizza party, sweet extravaganza, a bake Cookie. One of my hardest tasks was to try to keep off and also an upcoming talent show. Sally's spirits up, and this was the main reason why the However, recently we have done a little piece of nonsense below was written - to try to mystery adventure game which was an entertain her. It was the last thing she really laughed at idea of Revd Steve's. it involved each of us taking on a before she died." different role as part of COBRA. I played the role of the PM'S assistant, Abi Bryson was the prime minister, DOGgerel from a canine care assistant. Samuel Cambridge was the home secretary, Lex Ryden was foreign secretary, Meg Poole was head of MI5, head Aunt Helen comes in through the door of MI6 was played by Joshua Cambridge, RAF And puts a duvet on the floor. commander was played by Jed Ryden, the press I bark as loudly as I can secretary was played by Josh Poole, Zoe Bryson was the To let her know I’m her top fan. CEO of united airlines and special forces air commander (My most important job by far – was played by Nathan Wakefield. Let carers know how loved they are.) But oh! It seems I’ve woken Mum; The idea of the game was this. There had been a report of I jump up (landing on her tum) an aeroplane losing signal and there was no To show her that she’s loved as well, communication from those on board. COBRA meets to But then she starts to scream and yell. decide what will happen and the decision is When you are less than three feet tall ultimately down to the PM and we as the rest of the team Impossible to judge at all are there to assist and give our advice in that final When jumping up, just where you’ll land; decision. I do hope Mum will understand.

As we play, different information comes in to different They both get washed and get undressed, members of the team via ema, Information such as 'the Then both lie down to seek some rest; plane has changed its planned route course' and 'there is a Mum in the bed, Aunt on the floor, passenger who boarded with a fake ID.' All of this (It seems that’s what the duvet’s for.) information helps and aids us to reach a conclusion about But though they may be fast asleep, what to do in this scenario. After an hour or so of debate The canine carer watch must keep. and discussion, it is pressed upon the PM to make a ‘Cos when Aunt goes to care for Mum, decision. The decision is to force the plane to land in an That’s when the duvet thieves may come. RAF airfield. Once the decision is made, we are informed So I’m at once on duvet guard. that the place had been overtaken by a man who was not (It’s really not a task that’s hard.) able to see his family and so diverted the plane in an So when aunt lies back down at three, attempt to try and see them. We have made the right Her quilt’s still there, AND warmed by me! decision and we were correct to not shoot down the plane (as much information was leading us to suspect this might Morning arrives, and nurses twain; be a terrorist attack) I try to help, but all in vain; Nurses and carers seem to frown The idea of the game was about seeing how On licking things to clean them down. difficult leadership is, and having an insight into what our Then they trip over me and say government faces each day - much of the time without us I’m seriously in the way! even knowing. We definitely had seen some clear leaders So in my travel box I go; within the group and overall the entire team helped the (At least in there I can, I know PM to reach a final conclusion. It was great fun and Inspect their work most carefully, certainly was a learning point. It was fantastic and thank Ensure all is as it should be.) you Steve for the brilliant idea! And if I’m in there for a while, Notes for this ditty I compile. We have a talent show this week, and we have a Thanks to the dreadful dittyist; Christmas quiz and then after that our Christmas party all A helpful, useful copyist. over zoom. We are still able to have great fun even if it is not IRL (in real life!) Helen Coleman Merry Christmas to you all, God bless. Brooke Haycock 12

BALLADS, SONGS AND VERSES FOR TODAY COVID 19 Ballad of the Bread Man. To the Tune: "Londonderry Air". Charles Causley.

Mary stood in the kitchen, baking a loaf of bread, I cannot tell why grief and sadness linger An angel flew through the window. Why jobs are lost, and people face despair; We’ve got a job for you,” he said. When this will end if vaccines come and rescue “God in his big gold heaven, sitting in his big blue chair Why isolation stalks the earth again wanted a mother for his son and suddenly saw you there.” BUT THIS I KNOW Mary shook and trembled, “It isn’t true what you say. Christ feels the hurt upon the cross ”“Don’t say that,” said the angel, “the baby’s on its way!” The Spirit weaves our lives together still And some glad day, through Providence, the Father Joseph was in the workshop, planing a piece of wood, May turn this wave of loss to glory by His will. “The old man’s past it,” the neighbours said. “The girl’s been up to no good.”

“And who was that elegant fellow,” they said, I cannot tell how we can be together “in the shiny gear?” When all our ways of doing so are lost the things they said about Gabriel were hardly fit to hear. How we can be one body in communion Mary never answered, Mary never replied. If every form of touch comes at a cost She kept the information, like the baby, safe inside. BUT THIS I KNOW We're sealed upon the heart of God It was election winter. They went to vote in town. When Mary found her time had come the hotels let her down. The Spirit dwells within our fearful souls The baby was born in an annexe, next to the local pub. And Christ finds ways to show his face to all of us At midnight a delegation turned up from the local farmer’s To lift our hopes and meet us in our mortal fears. club. They talked about an explosion that made a hole in the sky; I cannot tell how long this time of fear will last said they’d been sent to ‘The Lamb and Flag’ If there'll be months or years of damaged lives to see God come down from on high.

When once again we'll gladly throng together A few days later a bishop and a five star general were seen To sit and laugh, to dance and play and kiss. with the head of an African country in a bullet proof limousine. BUT THIS I KNOW “We’ve come,” they said, “with tokens We're finding things both good and true for the little boy to choose.” About our God, each other and ourselves Told the tale about war and peace in the television news. So after this we'll know we've met our darkest hour After them came the soldiers with rifle and bomb and gun And now there's nothing we will have to face alone. looking for enemies of the state; the family had packed & gone.

Rev. Dr. Sam Wells, St Martin-in-the-Fields. When they got back to the village the neighbours said to a man, “That boy will never be one of us though he does what he blessed well can.” BIBLICAL HAIKU’S He went round to all the people, a paper crown on his head: “Here is some bread from my father; take eat,” he said. Genesis God's promise to man Nobody seemed very hungry. Nobody seemed to care. First given to Abraham. Nobody saw the God in himself, quietly standing there. Pattern of faith starts He finished up in the papers; He came to a very bad end. Exodus Birth of Israel. He was charged with bringing the living to life; From Egypt to Promised Land No man was that prisoner’s friend. The start of God's laws. There’s only one kind of punishment to fit that kind of crime. They rigged a trial and shot him dead: they were only just in time. Luke Birth of Jesus, Excellent Theophilus. They lifted the young man by the leg, they lifted him by the Brief for Paul's trial? arm.They locked him in a cathedral in case he should come to harm. John "Love One Another" They stored him safe as water under seven rocks. The words the Word gave us. One Sunday morning he burst out like a jack in a box. Spiritual gospel. Through the town he went walking, he showed them the holes in his head. There will be more in the February Net and many more if “Now do you want any loaves?” he cried. YOU pen your own! Watch out for the Net covering Holy “Not today,” they said. Week for ‘The Trial’!!

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The History of Christmas The Bible does not give a date for the birth of Jesus. In By the 1820s, the significance of Christmas was the third century it was suggested that Jesus was declining. Charles Dickens was one of several writers conceived at the Spring equinox, 25th March, who sought to restore it. His novel A Christmas Carol popularising the belief that He was born nine months was significant in reviving merriment during the later on 25th December. festival. He emphasised charity and family reunions, alongside religious John Chrysostom, the Archbishop of Constantinople, observance. Christmas encouraged Christians worldwide to make Christmas a trees, paper chains, holy day in about 400. cards and many well- known carols date from In the early Middle Ages, Christians celebrated a series of this time. So did the midwinter holy days. Epiphany (which recalls the visit to tradition of Boxing Day, the infant Jesus of the wise men bearing gifts) was the on 26th December, when tradesmen who had given climax of 12 days of Christmas, beginning on 25th reliable service during the year would collect ‘boxes’ of December. The Emperor Charlemagne chose 25th money or gifts from their customers. December for his coronation in 800, and the prominence of Christmas Day rose. In England, William the In Europe Santa Claus is the figure associated with the Conqueror also chose 25th December for his coronation in bringing of gifts. Santa Claus is a shortening of the name 1066, and the date became a fixture both for religious of Saint Nicholas, who was a Christian bishop in the observance and feasting. fourth century in present-day Turkey. He was particularly noted for his care for children and for his generosity to Cooking a boar was a common feature of mediaeval the poor. By the Middle Ages his appearance, in red Christmas feasts, and singing carols accompanied bishop’s robes and a mitre, was adored in the Netherlands it. Writers of the time lament the fact that the true and familiar across Europe. significance of Christmas was being lost because of partying. They condemn the rise of ‘misrule’ – drunken Father Christmas dates from 17th century England, where dancing and promiscuity. The day was a public holiday, he was a secular figure of good cheer (more associated and traditions of bringing evergreen foliage into the house with drunkenness than gifts). The transformation of Santa and the exchange of gifts (usually on Epiphany) date from Claus into today’s Father Christmas started in New York this time. in the 1880s, where his red robes and white beard became potent advertising symbols. In some countries (such as In the 17th century the rise of new Protestant Latin America and Eastern Europe) the tradition attempts denominations led to a rejection of many celebrations that to combine the secular and religious elements by holding were associated with Catholic Christianity. Christmas was that Santa Claus makes children’s presents and then gives one of them. After the execution of Charles I, England’s them to the baby Jesus to distribute. Puritan rulers made the celebration of Christmas illegal From: https://christianity.org.uk/the-history-of-christmas/ for 14 years. The restoration of Charles II ended the ban, #.W9LmchNKhsM but religious leaders continued to discourage excess, especially in Scotland. In Western Europe (but not Where did Christmas stockings come from? worldwide) the day for exchanging gifts changed from Epiphany (6th January) to Christmas Day. No one is really sure, but a story is told of St Nicholas, a bishop who lived in the 4th century, who may have started Why begin at midnight with Holy Communion? the custom by accident. St Nicholas was of a wealthy family, and of a generous heart. As Christmas approached The hour was first chosen at Rome in the one year, he wanted to help a poor family whom he knew, fifth century to symbolise the idea that Christ but he did not want them to know it was him. So he was born at midnight – a mystical idea in no climbed up on their roof on Christmas Eve and dropped way hindered by historical evidence! No one some coins down the chimney. knows the real hour of His birth. The next morning the coins, to the great surprise of the Certainly, in recent times, Holy Communion at midnight family, were found in the stockings of the ladies, who had on Christmas morning has proved popular with modern hung them to dry by the fire the night before. Every year families. One British writer pointed out its “domestic after that they put their stockings out, in the hope that convenience” in 1947: “for where there are children and some more money would fall into them. They told the no servants, husband and wife may be unable to story of this amazing appearance to their friends and communicate at any other time.” neighbours, and the custom caught on. (So things don’t change, then!) (Thanks to Parish Pump for this page!) 14

freedom to survive and flourish it is necessary to suffer.

Paul was a pioneer of the Christian faith and the first of evangelists. He preached the gospel of Jesus to Gentiles and Jews alike from whom his reward was humiliation ‘The Lord’s servant will raise the tribes of Jacob and and abuse, though former worship of idols by Gentiles had begun to be transferred to Jesus. Incidentally the restore the survivors of Israel. He will be as a light to words ‘Gospel’ and ‘The New Testament’ were first used the nations that God’s salvation may reach to the ends by Paul. They teach that a spiritual Saviour who died on a of the earth.’ Isaiah ch.49: v.6 cross was a sacrifice for sin and was the interpretation put

upon it by Paul, according to A.N.Wilson in his ‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! informative book ‘Paul, the mind of an Apostle’, Let your gentleness be evident to all.’ published 1997. He also avers that what we read about Philippians ch.4: v.4 Paul in the Bible is true, and that the Gospel of Jesus is During a storm on Paul’s voyage to Rome he told the 300 partly a construction of myths with references to the Old fearful passengers that they would be saved from Testament collected through the generations which is the drowning by being cast up on an island, one which was way people thought in those days, like Homer’s Iliad for eventually sighted. The ship made for the shelter of a bay instance or British Arthurian legends. They are where it was wrecked on a reef, but near enough to shore expressions of universal truths which we as modernists for all to be saved. The name of this island was Melita adopt and appreciate. (now Malta). On land Paul was bitten by a viper without suffering any ill effect (snakes are not poisonous on Christians became more informed than pagans. The latter Malta). As he was believed to only capable of understanding what was necessary for possess special powers Paul was daily work. Within a few generations Christians had set led to a sick man on whom he laid up hospitals where care was for all, and schools for boys hands and with prayer the man was and girls who were taught to read and write, with wider healed through the power of the knowledge than the five books of Moses learnt by young Holy Spirit. The miracle brought Jews. It may be thought that Paul had less regard for more people to be healed whereby women but the number of those who helped him all were all cured. The ship’s disproves it. He strongly disapproved of the degradation company spent three months on of women in the pagan world. Paul was uncompromising Melita who were looked after by and stood by what we regard today as an outmoded the inhabitants during the winter months of AD 59/60. traditional view of women’s place in marriage and society. He believed in the predominance of men in Rome was eventually reached by way of the port of places of work, particularly in the Church. Puteoli (now Puzzuoli near Naples) in AD 60, where Tom Wright likes to give a Greek flavour to God’s Christians dwelt just inland at Pompei. Paul was still creative work. ‘We are God’s poetry’ or artwork. God under guard but treated with respect and as an honoured works through individuals by grace reflecting His guest, with permission to preach and receive visitors. wisdom; to pray, to think and make decisions pleasing to There was to be a wait of two years under house arrest Him. Paul’s vision was firmly rooted in Israel’s history before his trial could take place before the Emperor. As with its many prophets instructed by God. In his Luke did not record what happened to Paul it is from extraordinary conversion on the road to Damascus Paul thence a matter of speculation. Luke in Acts talks about saw a cosmic significance in Jesus Christ’s presence the progress of the gospel rather than what happened to between heaven and earth though not a word of the Paul. In AD 64 a great fire occurred in Rome which was Gospels had been written. Paul’s influence was kept alive blamed on Christians who were persecuted for it. by his letters which inspired a following and loyalty Although Paul insisted he was a loyal Jew, it is possible amongst his associates. In Ephesus his message of the that he was killed at that time. However, it would have one God had turned people away from worshipping given Paul two years in which to visit Spain. Clement, an Artemis, although that worship may well have been on early bishop of Rome, claimed that he did. the wane. His emphasis had been on a universal Church (ekklesia), rather than Roman rule which claimed to have If Paul’s trial took place it is assumed that the unjust case united the world (their world). New communities spoke against him, of opposition to Roman rule, was proved. of sovereignty gained by humility and suffering, rather Punishment would have been by beheading on the order than by conquest and wealth. It was and is a creed of the evil Emperor Nero and is thought to have taken attractive to the world’s poor and humble. Jesus is Lord place in A.D.67. Paul wrote: ‘Christ is the end of the law and Caesar is not. so that there may be righteousness for everyone who The Gospels came after Paul and were created out of the believes’. ‘It is with your heart that you believe and are clash between the missions of Peter and Paul. Mark’s justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved’. He had borne witness to God’s son, the Gospel derives from Peter and other writers. Christians promised Messiah, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit even regard the Gospel of Christ, not as one among other to his own death, to show that for truth and spiritual religions but religion itself. John Hill 15

C 12 Horse’s feet (Judges 5:22) (5) D 13 Notice (Deuteronomy 17:4) (9) R 14 Comes between 2 Chronicles and E O Nehemiah (4) C 15 One of Israel’s northern towns S conquered by Ben-Hadad (1 Kings E 15:20) (4) S 18 Narnia’s Lion (5) M 20 One of the two rivers in which W B Naaman would have preferred to O wash (2 Kings 5:12) (5) E 21 Avarice—one of the evils that R come from inside people (Mark R 7:22) (5) D 22 Knight Grand Cross of St Mi- Across 26 Elgar’s best-known chael and St George (1,1,1,1) 1 Rely (Psalm 62:7) (6) ‘Variations’ (6) 23 Jacob’s first wife (Genesis 29:23) 4 ‘He stretches out the heavens like 27 Soak (Isaiah 16:9) (6) (4) a — , and spreads them out like a tent to live in’ (Isaiah 40:22) (6) Down 7 What the dove carried the olive 1 Money owing (Deuteronomy leaf in, when it returned to Noah’s 15:3) (4) Does your son or daughter need ark (Genesis 8:11) (4) 2 Conciliatory (Titus 3:2) (9) sympathetic help with their 8 Annoy (1 Samuel 1:6) (8) 3 ‘Do this, whenever you — it, in English? 9 Judah’s last king, who ended his remembrance of me’ (1 Corinthians days as a blind prisoner in Babylon 11:25) (5) (Jeremiah 52:11) (8) Reading, Writing, Grammar, 4 A group assisting in the govern- 13 ‘They all — and were satis- Exam Preparation ance of the Roman Catholic Church fied’ (Luke 9:17) (3) Fully experienced teacher (5) 16 Eliphaz the Temanite was one; so at all levels. 5 One of the gifts Joseph’s brothers was Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar Enhanced DBS Certificate. took with them on their second jour- the Naamathite (Job 2:11; 16:2) (4,9) ney to Egypt (Genesis 43:11) (4) 17 National Association of Evangeli- 6 ‘Reach out your hand and — — cals (of the USA) (1,1,1) James Armstrong into my side. Stop doubting and be- 19 Popular song for New Year’s B.A. Hons., M.A.Trinity TESOL lieve’ (John 20:27) (3,2) Eve, Auld — — (4,4) 22 Montpelliere Court 10 Be outstandingly good (2 Corin- 24 Able dock (anag.) (8) Montpelliere Road thians 8:7) (5) 25 The number of stones David ExmouthEX8 1JP 11 ‘What — — that you are mindful chose for his confrontation with Go- [email protected] of him, the son of man that you care liath (1 Samuel 17:40) (4) 07881945900 for him?’ (Psalm 8:4) (2,3)

 The Blackmore Theatre continues to remain closed for the time being. We shall certainly be re-opening as and when circumstances permit.  All remaining 2020 scheduled pro- ductions & auditions have been post- poned. Details of when these are to be rescheduled will be posted on the website All monthly Coffee Mornings and Bingo are cancelled until further notice. The Theatre Trustees continue to monitor and review the current position from time to time. Further announcements will be posted as and when any changes in the current situation occur. Thank you all for your continual support during this time. 16

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OUR CHURCH DURING THE CORONA VIRUS TO HELP YOU PRAY IN JANUARY 2021

Church Services at all churches are currently very limited. In our Mission Community a service takes place each F 1 Naming of Jesus - New Year’s Day New Hope Sunday in each church. Details are available in the Link Sa 2 S’s Basil & Gregory Personal holiness or via the website. Additionally on Wednesdays, both Holy Trinity and Lympstone Churches are open for S 3 Christmas 2 Aylesbeare Deanery Private Prayers between 11am and 1pm. And Littleham is M 4 Hospital ITU depts. open from 9.00 am until 4.00 pm T 5 Holiday companies. Sadly both the coffee bar at Holy Trinity and the W 6 Epiphany Christ’s gift to the world Community Cafe at Littleham are currently closed. Th 7 Haulage companies F 8 Local pubs & restaurants There are plenty of online faith resources to use during Sa 9 Supermarket staff this time. The Church of England have daily prayer and worship pages: https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer- andworship/join-us-service-daily-prayer S 10 Epiphany 1, Baptism of Christ Those seeking Christ M 11 Missionaries in Covid We shall be updating our own website with recordings of T 12 Retreat houses previous sermons and, weekly services. Check both Face W 13 Teachers Book and our Website Th 14 Doctors & Nurses https://www.facebook.com/exmouthcoastalchurches F 15 Nursing & care homes https://exmouthcoastalchurches.org.uk/ Sa 16 Street cleaners

Karen will be covering the admin office during normal working hours, to answer emails and telephone calls, and S 17 Epiphany 2 Mission Community Steve & Benedict will be available for any pastoral care, M 18 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity within the of the Church of England's guidance: https:// T 19 Trusting hearts www.churchofengland.org/more/mediacentre/coronavirus W 20 School for the Deaf -covid-19-guidance-churches Th 21 S Agnes Child poverty F 22 Local undertakers The Link and Lympstone pew sheet will still be produced Sa 23 Community nurses and uploaded to the Worship pages of our website on Friday. We shall still produce the NET each month and it will be available on the web site and delivered to all of S 24 Epiphany 3 Readers & Lay ministers our subscribers. M 25 Conversion of S Paul Modern-day Evangelists T 26 Timothy & Titus Friends in ministry If you are reading this edition of the Net online and want W 27 Covid recoverers to open any of the websites all you need to do is to press Th 28 Thomas Aquinas Visionaries the ctrl key and click the left button on your mouse. This F 29 Social distancing Sa 30 Mental Health charities TO HELP YOU PRAY IN DECEMBER S 31 Retired Clergy S 13 Advent 3 Spiritual Christmas preparation M 14 John of the Cross Contemplation T 15 GPO & Parcel deliverers W 16 Students returning home Th 17 Save the Children fund F 18 Lighthouse Group Sa 19 World peace

S 20 Advent 4 Mission Community M 21 Community Carol sing T 22 Local shops W 23 Covid safety Th 24 Christmas Eve Those alone and lonely Deadline for F 25 CHRISTMAS DAY Christ’s welcome to all FEBRUARY NET S 26 St Stephen Boxing Day Suffering faithful is Friday 15 January S 27 Christmas 1 Families M 28 Holy Innocents Abused children It will be published on Sunday 31 January T 29 John the Apostle Gospel writers Articles and pictures to Tony Mortimer W 30 Hospital workers Th 31 Thanks for the good things of 2020 Email: [email protected]

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Roots & Shoots - Community News from the Diocese of Exeter THE SOUTH WEST’S BIGGEST EVER CAROL BISHOP TAKES BATH FOR CHRISTIAN AID EVENT AND NATIVITY PLAY CHRISTMAS SOAP APPEAL

Actually you’ve The humble bar of soap has missed it but don’t become a key tool in the global despair its on You fight against coronavirus across Tube. South West the world this year and the Carols took place Bishop of Plymouth is joining online on 5 and 6 with the charity Christian Aid to December. It encourage people to put it at the featured churches, top of their 2020 Christmas list. choirs and fantastic bands from across the region and beyond. 21 schools took part in the online nativity play The charity is hoping people will buy the traditional (including these children from Withycombe Raleigh C of Christmas gift of soap for the world’s most vulnerable E Primary in Exmouth)! SW Carols was designed for you people as well as for loved ones closer to home to help to invite friends to, So get those mince pies warming, save lives worldwide. share the online link, light the fire and enjoy a carol Three billion people (40% of the world’s population) do service from the comfort of your own living room. not have access to soap and water at home, making regular hand washing very difficult. A YOU TUBE VIDEO YOU MIGHT ENJOY In a bid to help some of the world’s most vulnerable Comfort and Joy is just people protect themselves from coronavirus, Christian what it says, produced Aid has provided soap for almost 250,000 people by the C of E it’s an worldwide since the pandemic began. animated film about family Christmases. “Please put soap on your Christmas list” The Right Reverend Nick McKinnel said, “Across Devon and across the world we have seen how Covid-19 has EXETER DIOCESE ANNUAL REPORT 2020 devastated lives and livelihoods, instilled fear and forced already vulnerable people into even more desperate We enjoyed putting together our poverty. Annual Report for this year, “But as we look to Christmas we turn our eyes to Jesus because we realised that despite whose life in a time of oppression and fear brought the Covid-19 and all the ups and downs good news of God’s love in a way that has transformed it has brought, there has still been a our world. lot happening across the Diocese. “We are reminded that ‘the light shines in the darkness, There are achievements to celebrate and the darkness did not overcome it’ as God walks with as well as losses to lament. The us and works through us to offer his light and love. report is full of lovely photos and “We know how important handwashing is in this current available to read on screen or print pandemic and Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal gives us off - so grab a comfy chair, a cup of the opportunity to serve some of the world’s most tea (and maybe a mince pie) and vulnerable people in a practical way. enjoy reading! (You can find it on the Diocese of Exeter “Please put soap on your Christmas list by making a Website.) charity gift and help Christian Aid offer hope and save lives.” 20