The Company of St Boniface Presentation of Awards

Saturday 19 June 2021 4pm

Robert of

Welcome to the Cathedral The Cathedral Church of St. Peter in Exeter, founded in 1050, has been the seat () of the , the symbol of his spiritual and teaching authority, for nearly 1000 years. As such the Cathedral is a centre of worship and mission for the whole of . A centuries-old pattern of daily worship continues, sustained by the best of the Anglican choral tradition. The cathedral is a place of outreach, learning, and spirituality, inviting people into a richer and more engaged discipleship. The Cathedral is a destination for many pilgrims and visitors who come from near and far, drawn by the physical and spiritual heritage of this place. belongs to all the people of Devon, and we warmly welcome you here.

COVID-19: Infection Control

Face Coverings in the cathedral As of 8 August 2020, wearing face coverings in places of worship is now mandatory. All congregants, visitors, volunteers, and staff must wear face coverings when in the cathedral. There are exemptions to this regulation, including anyone under the age of 11, those leading worship and preaching, those with disabilities and those with hidden health conditions. Full details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to- wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one- and-how-to-make-your-own#when-you-do-not-need-to-wear-a-face- covering

Speech and Singing We ask that you do not sing. The Worship group will lead singing on behalf of the congregation. When speaking responses or prayers, please do not raise your voice.

We thank the worship Group from St Matt’s Church, Exeter who are providing our music for the service today.

Social distancing Measures are in place to protect the health and safety of worshippers, volunteers and staff. Please follow instructions as they are given. Markings on the floor indicate:  2 metres (Blue tape)

2 Offertory We rely significantly upon the generosity of our congregations to sustain the Cathedral’s worship and ministry. Please give by contactless means if you can. Money may be placed in the Donation Boxes as you leave. Please remember to use a Gift Aid envelope if you are a UK taxpayer.

For more information about planned and regular giving, please go to: https://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/support-us/how-to-donate/

Safeguarding The Chapter takes the responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults seriously in their commitment to make Exeter Cathedral a safe and welcoming place. If you have any concerns please discuss them with a member of the Cathedral Chapter or contact the Cathedral Safeguarding Advisor, Charlie Pitman, Tel. 01392 345909

The picture on the front cover is two panels from the Sacramentary of Fulda in Germany portraying St Boniface baptising the German people and his martyrdom (11th Century manuscript).

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The Company of St Boniface was established in 2019 as a way of honouring those who have made a substantial contribution to the life of the Church in Devon or who have built up our overseas links in our witness to Christ. Born in in around the year 675, Wynfrith was an Anglo-Saxon who took the name Boniface when as a young man he entered the monastery in Exeter. An able student, Boniface proved to be a gifted Latin scholar and poet. He was ordained priest when he was thirty. His capacity for leadership was quickly recognized, but in the year 716 he decided to offer himself as a missionary to Frisia in northern Europe, following in the steps of St Willibrord.

Boniface’s skill in preaching the Gospel led him to be commissioned by the to work in Hesse and Bavaria, and he was consecrated bishop in the year 722. He courageously felled a sacred oak tree at Geismar and, since the pagan gods did not come to the rescue, widespread conversion to Christianity followed. He founded a string of monasteries across southern Germany and ensured that they became places of learning, so that the work of evangelization was properly rooted in education.

In 732 Boniface was made Archbishop of Mainz and immediately appointed various missionary to take forward the systematic evangelization of central Europe. He worked assiduously for the reform of the Church and managed to ensure that the Rule of St Benedict was adopted in monasteries. In 751, towards the end of his life, he crowned Pepin as King of the Franks. Three years later on 5 June 754, while waiting for some new Christians to arrive to be confirmed by him, he was murdered by a marauding band of pagan mercenaries. Boniface is honoured as the ‘Apostle of Germany’, and is judged to have had a profound influence on European history and culture. His feast day is 5 June. In 2019 Devon County Council voted in favour of adopting St Boniface as Patron Saint of Devon.

4 The medal of St Boniface is conferred personally by the Bishop of Exeter in recognition of someone’s outstanding service to the Church and wider community. The Bishop seeks to celebrate faithful and sacrificial service, generous self-giving, and imaginative and innovative work in response to the commission to make new disciples. Each companion has demonstrated a commitment to serving Christ and be a lively example of the call shared by all the baptized to be salt and light in the world, to discover God’s kingdom and grow his Church.

5 New Companions of St Boniface

Aileen Badcock St Swithun’s Church, ,

Aileen was instrumental in the survival of St Swithun’s Church in the 1950s, when at one point she was the sole remaining member of the congregation and the vicar had cut off the bell ropes, shut off the power, locked the door and disappeared! Thanks to Aileen’s encouragement and hard work, the badly dilapidated church was restored and is now thriving “due in large part to her understated leadership”. Aileen has been a churchwarden for over 30 years, she was PCC secretary for 20 years and singlehandedly ran the Sunday School for 20 years. During the pandemic she encouraged parishioners to try out the new telephone services and ensured the church stayed open when possible. The Rev’d Marisa Cockfield, said, “Aileen is greatly loved by her community. She inspires us to love each other and to work for God, I cannot think of a more worthy recipient.”

Annie Jefferies St Peter’s,

Annie has worked tirelessly to build close links between St Peter’s church and the local school, leading collective worship and helping with a monthly church service in which school pupils take part. Annie has also been a good friend to Venn House care home, organising special Remembrance, Christmas, Valentines and Easter visits, which involved dressing-up and playing songs outside the window for residents to dance along to and giving them themed gift bags. Annie is developing a network of Anna Chaplains across Devon to offer pastoral support to people in later life. She is chair of the House of Laity for Exeter Diocesan Synod. Rev’d Andy Atkins, said, “Annie is not only an excellent strategical thinker, but someone who will roll up their sleeves to do the work needed, a very rare person.”

6 Ben Slater St Michael and All Angels, , Exeter

Ben has delivered mental health first aid training across the diocese since 2020. He significantly reduced the cost of his training to allow as many people as possible to take part. He was previously a principal of secondary academies for excluded children. Ben has helped craft the diocese’s guidance about how to engage with people with mental health challenges. He is also now co-chairing a new support group for clergy partners and families. Chris Keppie, Church and Society Officer, said, “Ben’s generosity, both financial and of time and energy, are outstanding. His heart for practical and informed application of loving service of our most vulnerable neighbours, in God’s name, is very apparent and inspiring.”

Corrinne Shutt St Mary’s,

Corinne is a major player within the 6 churches which make up the West Dartmoor Mission Community. She is a PCC Secretary, Deanery Rep, Worship Team leader and a Champing (camping in churches) Administrator. She devised and runs [email protected], a monthly family service and runs after school clubs. She leads the Open the Book team (a programme to share Bible stories in primary schools) at Lady Modiford’s School and School. Corinne loves baking and has long run a home baking stall at the Saturday market in Walkhampton, as well as helping out in the village hall coffee shop. She has introduced Fairtrade and eco-friendly products at St Mary’s. She leads worship creatively, embracing modern technology and introducing it to others. Corinne supports the church foodbank and is involved with fundraising for local youthwork, homeless projects and the Diocese of Thika in Kenya. Churchwarden, Richard Bryn, said, “Corinne has an inner joy and generosity of spirit. She shows determination and zeal in all she does and is passionate about social fairness and justice. She is enthusiastic, practical and an inspiration to others.”

7 David Curry S.E.A. Church (St Aiden’s, Ernesettle, )

David is the lead Environment Advisor in the Diocese, a role he carries out “with great energy, expertise and loving commitment to God and creation.” His particular interest is in biodiversity conservation. He has ensured that the crisis of species loss is on the Church’s environmental agenda at both a local and national level. He has written practical guidance notes on how to have a ‘living churchyard’ attracting wildlife and diverse plant life. He also offers bespoke advice to churches. David is a long-standing member of the Christian conservation charity Arocha, chair of Devon Green Churches Action and a member of the Church of ’s National Biodiversity Group. He also works with organisations like CPRE Devon and the Devon Wildlife Trust to show the commitment of the Church to environmental issues. Chris Keppie, Church and Society Officer, said, “David makes a significant difference across the diocese by innovating and leading new projects. The primary beneficiaries have been our other sisters and brothers (in St Francis’s words) from other species.”

Hannah Fleming-Hill St Judes, Plymouth

Until recently Hannah was the Project Support Development Worker for Transforming Plymouth Together (a joint Diocese of Exeter and Church Urban Fund project). In her role Hannah worked hard to develop the Feast of Fun school holiday programme. During the pandemic it became Feast of Fun at Home to keep supporting vulnerable families. During lockdown, TPT engaged with hundreds of families to provide ongoing food parcels, many of the parcels were delivered by Hannah herself. In total, TPT delivered nearly 90,000 meals and supported churches in building relationships with the families. Many of these families would have gone throughout lockdown without much or any support. Hannah is also passionate about encouraging the church to connect with those in their 20s and 30s. She has become a digital missioner, advising and supporting churches to improve their digital presence and mission in a way that is forward-thinking and innovative. Hannah fulfils her work beyond the call of duty and does so with “creativity, joy and an attitude of sacrificial service.” One of her nominators said, “you will never meet a more kind-hearted individual than Hannah.” 8 Jennie McNulty St Mary Magdalene,

Jenny has done “outstanding work” for the homeless community of Torquay as a support worker and now co-manager of the Leonard Stocks Hostel. It is not uncommon for people to describe Jenny as “an angel”. Her curate, Rev’d Emma Dornan, said, “Her gentle spirit and welcoming heart have helped us build bridges and become more welcoming to people facing homelessness and addiction in our area.” Jennie has helped people who have come out of recovery find employment. Through her, members of the church have become involved at the hostel and with the homeless community. Her willingness to serve has included doing the unsanitary jobs no-one else wants to do – including removing socks from gangrenous feet and clearing blocked and overflowing toilets. Emma said, “Jennie has a gigantic heart, and a bigger capacity for loving, joy-filled service than most people I’ve met. She has changed so many people’s lives for the better. She does it for Jesus and His Church.”

Joanna Bound St Budeux Church, Plymouth

Joanna is the Care Home Champion for Plymouth on behalf of Churches Together in Plymouth. She is also their former chaplain and a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader). Joanna’s ministry involves working with the elderly and those living with dementia. She is involved with the Anna Chaplaincy Initiative, which seeks to provide aid, help and comfort at a low point in someone’s life. She is now helping to roll this project out across Plymouth and Devon. Julian Payne, the Lay Chair of Plymouth Deanery, said, “Joanna is one very special person who is prepared to commit immense time and energy to the elderly and vulnerable in society. The attitude she has shown over the years I have known her, has been to me and others, an encouragement to commit ourselves to the areas she shines in.”

9 Katie Freeman Emmanuel Church, Plymouth

Katie has been nominated for services to Religious Education. She is the new Chair of the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NaTRE), the first time in 18 years a primary school teacher and early years specialist has been chosen for the role. She has spoken about the importance of religious education in parliament and at national conferences. She is a member of the RE Working Group, helping to shape national RE policy. Derek Holloway, a member of the group, said, “She is excellent, bringing cutting-edge RE classroom practice.” Katie supports over 40 RE teachers across Plymouth and beyond as the RE hub leader for the city. The Rev’d Tatiana Wilson, from the diocese Education Department, said, “Katie’s passion for the subject is contagious. She is very generous in sharing her expertise and skilling others to become better teachers of Religious Education, not just locally in Plymouth, but also regionally and nationally.”

Lizzy Flaherty Parish Church

Lizzy, 18, is a member of the serving team and the PCC at Holsworthy Parish Church. She was the sole volunteer to prepare and clean the church so it could reopen after the first lockdown. Due to the age or health of most of the congregation, Lizzy became sacristan, verger and the only welcomer when the church first opened for services. Lizzy continues this work and sets-up for services, including funerals, plays recorded music during services and has led Morning Prayer when the rector has had a Sunday off. Lizzy has continued her voluntary duties whilst home from university and also volunteers for the Holsworthy Covid 19 Mutual Aid phone helpline. Lizzy’s rector, Mother Elizabeth Burke, said, “Lizzy’s thoughtfulness, diligence and dedication meant that the church could be open for individual prayer and for services during the pandemic. Lizzy’s aptitude and reliability has ensured worship runs smoothly. She is unassuming and a joy to work with, always putting others first. She has no idea just how much of a contribution she has made to the whole community during such a difficult time.”

10 Melanie Whitehead St Andrew’s,

Melanie leads the People Matter Foodbank, which is linked to St Andrew’s Church in Cullompton. During the pandemic she grew the team of volunteers to keep this vital service open, as well as dealing with all the logistical, legal and health and Covid-security requirements. The number of clients being served increased between 400 and 500%. Even when the church building has been closed the foodbank has always remained open. Melanie’s vicar, Rev’d Ed Hobbs, said, “Melanie has worked really hard to keep this vital service running, finding solutions when, at times, it looked as though it may not have been possible to continue. She has done all of this whilst continuing to work part-time and recovering from cancer.”

Phil Smith St Mary the Virgin,

Phil Smith co-founded the Plympton Foodbank run by the Plympton Team Ministry at the start of the first lockdown, securing grant funding and built a team of volunteers. Parishioner Patricia Ridgway said, “It has gone from strength to strength and Phil has reached out to many lonely and desperate people.” Headteacher, Suzie Ottwell, said, “His work has inspired many people, including children, to give up their time to this charitable cause.” Phil has also built the church’s online presence, facilitating church services and meetings on Zoom, something “so many members of the congregation would be lost without”. As churchwarden he has overseen the creation of a new church hall community garden. He is known for his cheerfulness. The Rev’d Robert Harris said, “Phil is a real example of someone who ‘serves the people of Devon with joy’. He has undertaken all that he has done in the past year with passion, enthusiasm, and commitment. He has spent many hours each week carrying out these tasks as he lives out his faith and mission.”

11 Roger Grose St Peter and St Paul,

When the church was in vacancy for 19 months, Roger (a Licensed Lay Minister/Reader) planned and lead worship, lead services, preached and played the organ at St Peter and St Paul’s and church. He organised all the rotas and led crucial planning meetings for the lay leaders. During the pandemic he started a weekly telephone church service for people unable to access online services. His friend David Jones said, “This is being regularly accessed and enjoyed by many of our elderly evening congregation, for whom, prior to lockdown, the evening service was probably the highlight of their week and possibly their only regular social interaction.” Roger also started a family service, “Church at Ten”, and arranges and rehearses large and small choirs for festivals and onsite and online services (which are shared between all 8 churches in the Axe Valley Mission Community). Roger is also responsible for pastoral care in Uplyme Church. As David Jones said, “Roger has been the glue holding the church family together. It is clear to all who know him that his aim in life is to do his best to further God’s Kingdom here on earth.”

Sharon Marshall St Mary’s, Pilton,

Sharon has recently retired as the Headteacher of Academy. She was instrumental in the school moving from a community secondary school to a Church of England school and taking on Church school articles within St Christopher’s Secondary Multi Academy Trust. The school is now flourishing with very strong links to the local church and the Diocese. Every year group at the school now has one of the local clergy serving as a chaplain. There is also a Christian youth worker. Sharon has displayed an outstanding commitment to the wider community, deeply rooted in her own faith and her desire to serve the people of North Devon with joy. She has worked tirelessly to create opportunities and to change outcomes for young people in a community which bears all the hallmarks of rural isolation and deprivation. Sue Lockwood, Exeter Diocese Acting Director of Education, said, “Through Sharon’s inspirational leadership of Ilfracombe Academy, local community aspirations and engagement have changed. Sixth form students have gained places at Oxbridge and Russell Group universities. Strong links 12 have been developed with local businesses increasing opportunities for vocational education and employment.” Since retiring, Sharon has become a member of the Diocesan School Organisation and Governance Group, the Exeter Diocesan Board of Education and other local education bodies. Sue Lockwood said, “Sharon is an outstanding educational practitioner… full of integrity, a sense of justice and, above all, a belief that each of us is a child of God to be valued and supported.”

Sue Croft St Mary Magdalene, Chumleigh

Sue is a churchwarden and was at the forefront of the community pandemic response in Chumleigh, despite being extremely vulnerable and shielding herself. She quickly established a support system using her links in local government, the school, church and health centre. She built up a telephone contact system and bank of volunteers. Services provided included shopping, dog-walking, transport, prescription deliveries and telephone support. The volunteers also delivered 70 Christmas gifts to people who were self-isolating. Sue is the main co-ordinator and first point of contact for all these services. Her Team Rector, Rev’d Tony Rockey, said, “Sue’s identification of the need, quick response in setting up a support system and ongoing dedication to serving the people of Chumleigh and beyond, has brought the service of the church and members of the local community to the fore in this time of need.” He added, “Sue has enabled all who have requested help to feel valued and supported. She is the human, caring face of the help offered, as such, she has been able to represent what is best in our church to those around us.”

13 Toby Grier Exeter Network Church, Exeter

Toby, 17, has been proactive in volunteering for a range of church and secular organisations focusing on food poverty, fair trade issues and the environment. He has volunteered with Chris Keppie, Diocese of Exeter Church and Society Officer, to create an interactive google map of foodbanks across Devon on the Diocese website, to enable support agencies and people who need support to find out where they can get help. He has a passion for social and environmental justice and has done voluntary work for Devon Development Education, helping the organisation develop its social media and online presence, also providing editorial content himself. His work was particularly appreciated during Fairtrade Fortnight. Chris Keppie said, “His presentation on Guyana seemed to create the online equivalent of a standing ovation; subsequent chat reflected on the refreshing value of a younger voice, and desire for more of the same. I hope it also brought new energy to long-term campaigners.” Despite being a full-time Sixth Form student, Toby has given significant time to church-related activities – as well as to his own church – with amazing reliability, responsiveness to requests, and consistently going beyond what has been asked of him. Chris said, “Toby’s contributions clearly come from a heart of love and passion for justice that is infectious and inspiring.”

14 Order of Service

The congregation stands at the entrance of the ministers.

The music group sings Hymn

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart naught be all else to me, save that thou art thou my best thought in the day or the night waking or sleeping, thy presence my light

Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord Thou my great Father, and I thy true son thou in me dwelling and I with thee one

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise you’re my inheritance, now and always you and you only, the first in my heart high King of heaven, my treasure thou art

High King of heaven, my victory won may I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun heart of my own heart, whatever befall still be my vision, O ruler of all

Text: Irish c.8th Century Tr Mary Byrne (1880-1931) versified Eleanor Hull (1860-1935) Tune: Slane; (Erik Routley 1917-1982)

15 Welcome and Introduction The Bishop of Exeter

The congregation remains standing. The Bishop says

Peace be with you and also with you.

The Bishop introduces the service and leads the following responsory:

For your goodness to us at all times We praise you, O Lord.

For your blessing on our county and diocese We praise you, O Lord.

For all whose discipleship we honour today We praise you, O Lord.

For all who have served here in the past We praise you, O Lord.

For your summons to fullness of life We praise you, O Lord.

For the hope to which you call each one of us We praise you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The congregation sits.

16 Interview with six companions of St Boniface The

The First Lesson Acts 26:19-23 read by Mr Chris Keppie Church and Society Officer, Diocese of Exeter

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

After that, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout the countryside of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had help from God, and so I stand here, testifying to both small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would take place: that the Messiah must suffer, and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.’

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Interview with five companions of St Boniface Chloe Axford Communications and Engagement Director Diocese of Exeter

The music group sings

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want. He makes me lie in pastures green. He leads me by the still, still waters, his goodness restores my soul.

And I will trust in you alone, and I will trust in you alone, for your endless mercy follows me, your goodness will lead me home.

17 He guides my ways in righteousness, and he anoints my head with oil, and my cup, it overflows with joy, I feast on his pure delights. And I will trust…

And though I walk the darkest path, I will not fear the evil one, for you are with me, and your rod and staff are the comfort I need to know.

Text: Psalm 23 Music: Stuart Townend (b1963)

Interview with five companions of St Boniface The Dean of Exeter

The Presentation of the Medals

During the presentation, the music group sings

I love You, Lord for Your mercy never fails me all my days, I've been held in Your hands from the moment that I wake up until I lay my head I will sing of the goodness of God

All my life You have been faithful all my life You have been so, so good with every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God

I love Your voice you have led me through the fire in the darkest night You are close like no other I've known You as a Father, I’ve known You as a Friend and I have lived in the goodness of God

18 Your goodness is running after it's running after me your goodness is running after it's running after me with my life laid down I'm surrendered now I give You everything your goodness is running after it's running after me

At the end of the presentation, the Bishop says the prayer for St Boniface

Everlasting God, grant that the companions of your servant Boniface may be bold in preaching the gospel and tireless in their service of others, that in all things your name may be glorified and your kingdom be enlarged; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen

The recipients turn to face the congregation and are greeted with applause. The Second Lesson John 10:11-16 read by the Revd Nigel Mason Chaplain to the Bishop of Exeter

A reading from the Gospel according to John.

Jesus said, ‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away - and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

19 Affirmation of Faith

The congregation stands and says

Let us stand and declare our faith in God.

We believe in God the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.

We believe in God the Son, who lives in our hearts through faith, and fills us with his love.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us with power from on high.

We believe in one God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. cf Ephesians 3

The congregation sits.

Address The

Hymn The music group sings

Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now I'm found was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed

20 My chains are gone, I've been set free my God, my Saviour has ransomed me and like a flood His mercy reigns unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me his word my hope secures he will my shield and portion be as long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow the sun forbear to shine but God who called me here below will be forever mine, will be forever mine you are forever mine.

Text: John Newton (1725-1807) Music: Amazing Grace (arr. Robert Gower b.1952)

The Prayers led by the

The congregation remains seated.

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.

We thank you that you have called us to be your disciples. Transform our lives by your grace, and as you have called us to your service, make us worthy of our calling. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

Bless the Company of St Boniface and all who seek to reach out to those in need. Together may we be ambassadors for Christ and bring glory to your Name. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

21 We pray for all community leaders, that you will give them wisdom and courage. Guide us by your Holy Spirit that together we may work for the common good. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

We pray for all who serve our local communities in any way. May our neighbourhoods be places of hospitality, peace and trust where your love is known. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

We ask your blessing on our homes and families, on our schools, children and young people, on older people in our community, and especially on the isolated and housebound. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

We commend to your care the sick and vulnerable, and those who despair. May all who come to our churches, whether in times of joy or sorrow, find them places of healing and hope. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer.

As our Saviour has taught us so we pray

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

22 Act of Dedication

The congregation stands and the Bishop of Exeter says

Let us pledge ourselves anew to the service of God and the people of this county, saying:

God of generosity and joy, we pledge ourselves to serve you and the people of this county with joy and in the cause of peace, for the relief of want and suffering and for the praise of your name. Guide us by your Spirit; Give us wisdom; Give us courage; Give us hope; And keep us faithful now and always. Amen.

The Blessing The Bishop of Exeter says

Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.

Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.

God give you grace to follow Boniface and all his saints with faith and hope and love; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen

23 Hymn The music group sings.

The Bishops, clergy and new companions of St Boniface process to the West Door. The congregation is invited to follow the procession and gather on the West Front

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the works thy hands have made I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder thy power throughout the universe displayed

Then sings my soul, my saviour God to thee how great thou art, how great thou art then sings my soul, my saviour God to thee how great thou art, how great thou art

And when I think that God, His son not sparing sent him to die, I scarce can take it in that on the cross my burden gladly bearing he bled and died to take away my sin

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart there shall I bow in humble adoration and there proclaim ‘My God how great thou art!

Text: Russian hymn tr. (Stuart K. Hine 1899-1989) Music: How great thou art (Stuart K. Hine 1899-1989)

24 Once outside, the congregation sings

All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice; him serve with fear, his praise forth tell, come ye before him, and rejoice.

The Lord, ye know, is God indeed, without our aid he did us make; we are his folk, he doth us feed, and for his sheep he doth us take.

For why? The Lord our God is good: his mercy is for ever sure; his truth at all times firmly stood, and shall from age to age endure.

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the God whom heaven and earth adore, from men and from the Angel-host be praise and glory evermore. Amen.

Text: William Kethe (d.1594) Tune: Old Hundredth (Genevan Psalter, 1551)

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Some material included in this service is copyright: © The Archbishops' Council 2000 Some material included in this service is copyright: © The Crown/Cambridge University Press: The Book of Common Prayer (1662) CCL Number 172188

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27 DIOCESE OF EXETER

Companions of St Boniface

‘As God gives us strength, in season and out of season, let us preach to the powerful and powerless alike, to rich and poor alike, to all people of every rank and of whatever age, the saving purposes of God.’ St Boniface

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