Our First Covid Confirmation

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OUR FIRST COVID CONFIRMATION

How strange it was to have a much reduced congregation PARTNERSHIP WITH WITHYCOMBE with hymns and parts of the service sung by the choir RALEIGH MISSION COMMUNITY with the participants wearing masks. However it was a great joy to welcome the Diocesan Bishop, Robert Following an invitation from the Bishop of Crediton and Atwell to Holy Trinity recently to celebrate the entry of the Archdeacon of Exeter, leaders in our Mission our candidates into full membership of the Church. Community have been undertaking preliminary discussions with the leaders of Withycombe Raleigh Those confirmed were Lucy Netherton, Caylin-Ora Mission Community with a view to exploring an Williams, James Halse, Chris Hawkins, and Katie amalgamation of our six church congregations into one Baughan-Martin Anglican family. The diocesan view is that doing mission and ministry together, as one team, will allow us to offer more ministry choices to the people of the Exmouth area. THE RECTOR HAS WRITTEN TO US ALL It will also allow us to make the most efficient use of our resources and will likely increase the impact of the Steves letter to our congregations can be found available clergy that we have in the town. On the 24 on page 19. Please do read it as it gives full details August the PCCs of Lympstone, Littleham-cum-Exmouth of the way our Church life will be shaped as we and Withycombe Raleigh will meet at Holy Trinity move out of the Covid restrictions. Especially as Church to further explore what coming together might Covid has not gone away (nor is it likely to do) mean for us all. and we do need to keep up to date with any Please be in prayer for this meeting future changes Steve Jones Team Rector

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

Lympstone @ 9.30 am Littleham @ 10.30 am Holy Trinity @ 11.30 am

Please remember you are asked to wear a mask when entering the church and when going to receive communion

If you are reluctant to be in church without a mask a special area will be designated for those who feel more vulnerable. A sides-person will direct you to this .

Please sanitise your hands when entering church to protect the vulnerable

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 Mrs Elizabeth Burren 264010 Mission Community

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

As we travelled around the West Penwith area, The Rector writes…. noticing all of the open churches, it struck me that each one might be there today, simply because of the faithfulness of those who, long ago, worshipped at St. Helen’s chapel. It may be that St. Helen’s was the first church in the area, which then birthed many daughter and granddaughter churches. Those who worshipped there stood fast and God honoured their Denise and I have just come back from our holiday in devotion with spiritual growth. In Hebrews 10:23 we West Penwith, down in the very tip of Cornwall, read, ‘Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we close to Lands End. While there, at nearby Cape profess, for he who promised is faithful.’ Cornwall, we came across the ruins of the very In addition to issues of personal salvation, in this ancient St. Helen’s Oratory.

As you can see from the photograph, the chapel is verse God is promising us that if we hold fast to our close to the sea, in an area of rough and jagged cliffs, profession and practice of our faith, despite the and wild seas. This place of worship is believed to th th storms around us, God will be faithful and will date from the 5 or 6 century, and some of the ensure we see the next generation of disciples of stones used to build it seem to come from the era of Jesus Christ. Roman occupation of our country. As we travelled around West Penwith the presence of deep Christian In this season of our common life in the Church of roots is evident everywhere. A visit to the parish England, God calls us to stick with our commitment church of St. Just reveals the historically embedded to our faith, but also to the practice of our worship. I and hallowed presence of God in the community. know that some have not felt able to attend church for a long time due to COVID. As I stood in the ruins of St. Helen’s chapel, I tried to imagine where the altar had been, and how it must Now, as things are opening-up for us again in have felt to celebrate Holy Communion in that place worship, I would love to welcome the faithful back on a wild and stormy day. I thought about the prayers into God’s House, as we continue to pray for God to that had been offered up, the sins confessed, and the bring a new generation of Christians to join us in this praises of God that had been sung there. most holy faith. Steve Jones, Rector

Mission Community News FROM OUR NEW DEACON THE WHITE HOUSE (to be ordained soon) Thank God for Insurance! Dear church family, It was back in September 2019 that the Sexton's Hut (alias My family and I have been really blessed these past two 'The White House') was severely damaged by weeks by so many beautiful cards and lovely gifts. Thank fire. Unbelievably it has taken until now to finalise you so much for helping us to feel so welcome as we (almost) everything. The building was, fortunately, as settle in to our new home. We are very much looking you will read, covered by the PCC's Insurance Policy, as forward to getting to know you all and being a part of least as far as the contents were concerned, and such a wonderful loving church family. 'reinstatement' in the condition it was at that time. The building then consisted of a minute 'office', a pretty For a long time, one of the desires of our hearts has been ancient loo, and a 'workshop'. In the workshop, Shaun, to live out our faith within a loving church community – the sexton kept all his equipment - even though it is over in coming to serve you, God has granted our desire. We a quarter of a mile away from where new graves are being will be starting to attend the churches come August and dug. we can’t wait to meet you all. We also sense that part of our calling here is to learn and grow alongside you in Very quickly the Members of the Churchyard Committee reaching out to the wider community with the love and agreed that we must turn this apparent disaster into an testimony of Jesus. We have been involved in a fair opportunity. Our Insurers sent down a Loss Adjuster and degree of outreach over the course of our Christian she has been 100% supportive of our ideas. We journeys, but we still have much to learn and we are purchased, thanks to a Grant from the Church Institute grateful that we will be able to walk with you all in this. Trust, a former shipping container, siting it up at the very In particular, we have a growing interest in vocational and top of the Churchyard. So the old building has been repurposed, as a proper office/rest room for Shaun. 'All' relational witness, whether this be at the school gate, we have had to find is the difference between the costs of toddler group, office, or sports club. We believe that there reinstatement and repurposing - in round figures are exciting times ahead for us all. £13,000. Again, thanks to Grants, that has been covered.

Our two girls Emily and Esther have settled in really well What has been staggering is to learn that Ecclesiatical, our Insurers, have paid out some £94,000! That covers not and are loving the new pattern of life here in Exmouth. only the contractors, the surveyors, a special asbestos The beach and Krispies have proven themselves survey, but also the machinery and tools which were particularly popular, and it is amazing that we are a destroyed by the fire - even the kettle, totally melted.... stone’s throw away from a community nature reserve. Elaine and I have been busy unpacking boxes and getting So its the end of an almost two year long saga. My Office things more settled in the house here - B&Q are currently shelves have yet two more lever arch files, bulging with getting much business from us! But things are coming papers. But as the heading says, thank God for Insurance. together and it is beginning to feel like home. Bob Soutter - Vice Chairman of the Churchyard Committee I, (Jonathan) am beginning to capture a glimpse of what ministry might look like and will continue to be faithful in MEN'S BREAKFAST prayer for you all, and looking for God’s coming Kingdom and His daily provision of manna. When: Saturday 11 September The book of Deuteronomy is my current focus and I am at 8.30am. incredibly thankful and blessed to be living here amongst you. I pray that our ministry and friendship will prove to Where: Toby Inn, Lympstone be a joy and a blessing to you all, and that we would encourage one another in our walk with the Lord. Cost: £5.50 payable on arrival. If we haven’t met you yet, do pop by to say hello. You Speaker: will be most welcome. Rector Steve Jones.

With love in Christ Title: "Brotherhood." All men welcome! Jonathan, Elaine, Emily and Esther 4

Mission Community News

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! DISTRIBUTING THE NET

This morning (the 7 July) that nice tax man paid a lot of Over the past 18 months or so our monthly magazine, The money into our bank account! This was all the Gift Aid Net, has been distributed by a band of volunteers to the which I had claimed back from him for the month of June. homes of each person/family in our church congregations at HT and Littleham. When the churches were able to Included in that figure was £2,592 relating to the Gift open we gave out personal, named copies to all those who Day. Now I have credited it to the Gift Day Account, I attended the services on a Sunday morning and hand de- can see that wonderfully, we have just passed the £16,000 livered the rest so that every member continued to receive mark. a copy.

That is truly wonderful, and as I said last time, all the Now that restrictions are lifting we will no longer be giv- PCC members thank each and every one of you for your ing out individual, named Nets at church or delivering contributions. I shall be able to tell the members of the them to people’s homes. At the beginning of each month Buildings and Finance Committee this evening that we the Nets will be available to collect if you attend church were 'in the black' (and not the red) at the end of the half services and, thereafter, may be picked up from your year, and that there is every likelihood that may even be church whenever it is open during the week. the case at the end of the year. Certainly I shall be able to send the second tranche of the grants to the Missionary There are still a number of people unable to get to church Societies we support, and be able to give the full on a Sunday or any other day. There will be a list of these requested amount to the Diocese towards the Common peo[ple in each Church so please take an extra copy for Fund. those church members who are housebound and tick on the list so that they don’t receive multiple copies. Praise the Lord!! Bob Soutter Huge thanks to the small volunteer group who have faith- fully delivered Nets right across the Parish since the beginning of lockdown. THE CHURCHYARD COMMITTEE Please remember to pay for your Net, £1 a copy. At our meeting in July, Rosemary Longhurst told us that she had decided to retire from the Committee. She has DEVON HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST been our Secretary for almost 4 years, and we are immensely grateful to her for all the work she has "RIDE AND STRIDE DAY" done. This has included a massive piece of work, where she has 'put names to plots' where ever that is After many years, I have decided to step down as Organiser of the above, at possible. Now available on computer it will save hours of Littleham Church. At the same time both searching in the future. Fortunately she has agreed to Diana Cosslett and Bob Soutter are stepping keep the data base up to date. So 'Thank you, Rosemary, down from this role at Holy Trinity. for all you have done'. This fund raising day is on Whilst going through the old Minutes, I came across this - 2 September this year. the opening to the Minutes of a meeting which took place on the 5th February 2009: Will anyone who is interested in taking on this 'fun day' at either (or both) churches please contact me and I will be happy to explain how it has been organised. My telephone The Committee convened by squelching its way to a plot in number is 01395 267176. section AA, to witness the inestimable driving and mechanical skills of its sexton, Shaun Davey, in wielding We would again like to thank ALL church members for the bucket of a digger, whilst creating a new grave their support, sponsorship and prayers. Half of the required for a burial. This was followed by a money raised for DHCT comes back to our demonstration of the new grave shoring equipment that Parish. Included in our thanks are to those who have sat had recently been purchased. Having satisfied itself with either in the NND Room at Littleham or the Coffee Bar at proceedings, the Committee reverted to the NND Room HT and welcomed all participants with refreshments. for the rest of its meeting. Finally, thanks to our Clergy - some of whom have cycled and walked many a mile! That could only have been written by the late, and much loved and missed Chris Jago - Mary Jago's late Karen in the Office in her official capacity will continue husband. Almost every set of minutes he wrote, whilst to receive information and all the paperwork from DHCT, still being formal, had some light hearted remark tucked but that does not mean that Organisers at both churches in there somewhere! He served us well. are not needed! What would we do without Karen? Bob Soutter - Vice Chairman of the Churchyard Committee Janet Francis

HUMBLE APOLOGIES Book Review Some readers, we hope more than a few, will have The Case for Christ enjoyed Marcus Paul’s series entitled POCKET GUIDE TO CHURCH HISTORY that we ran in the Net earlier Lee Strobel this year. Somehow we failed to acknowledge that Marcus had kindly produced the series. Lee Strobel was the award- winning legal affairs editor of All I can say is that I am sorry it was a computer omission the Chicago Tribune newspaper. We also add the suggestion which he made to the final His wife, Leslie, converts to part (that we also failed to include). Christianity and Strobel is furious about it. He feels that he Here is the missing suggestion and also a picture of the now has to share his wife with book cover to which he refers. her ‘church.’ Tony Mortimer In an attempt to disprove Christianity and win back his wife, Strobel embarks upon a crusade to question leading

theologians, ministers, and

scientists across the USA about the 8 biggest objections to Christianity.

His questions include ‘Since miracles contradict science, they cannot be true,’ and ‘It’s offensive to claim that Jesus is the only way to God.’ Amazingly, on the journey Strobel becomes convinced of the truth of the claims of Jesus Christ and he becomes a

Christian. While the book is written for the American market, the “If any readers would like to pursue this topic of the way in which Strobel seeks to address key objections helps Church’s unrivalled contribution to society and how us to see that there are reasoned answers to some of the current media misapprehend this, Marcus’s well-reviewed most challenging questions the Church faces in our day. book The Evil That Men Do (Sacristy Press, 2016) is an in This is an important book that will help equip someone -depth treatment of the subject.” who wants to share their faith with the unchurched people around them. Steve Jones

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 Sue Carrahar 222631 Clive House 708262

Littleham Di West 744051 Martyn Haley 227864 Deputies Debbie Frost 223026

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

CHURCH OF ENGLAND REPORT:

CONTESTED HERITAGE IN CATHEDRALS AND CHURCHES – MAY 2021

History may be about the past, but it has a way of The other three are Sir Walter Ralegh, Robert Drake who catching up with us. At Mark Anthony’s funeral lived in Littleham and Sir Winston Churchill. What are we Shakespeare has Mark Anthony saying that the evil to make of the furore that has recently arisen? that men do lives after them whilst the good is oft interred with their bones. If recent events are Firstly, I think that we should realise that we have a anything to go by, he was wrong. history that in retrospect is not as great and glorious as we like to imagine. Queen Anne’s Bounty is a £9 billion In the wake of the death of George Floyd and the birth of church fund which funds £1 in £6 of the C of E’s the Black Lives Matter movement it seems that it is the expenditure. It has its origins in wealth acquired by the good for which many are remembered whilst the evil has Crown from the South Sea Company which before its been conveniently buried. Thus, says the Church of bubble burst was deeply immersed in slavery. The C of E England Report, there will be memorials in our churches was paid £8823 8s 9d in compensation for slaves it owned which laud the achievements of those who, seen through but had to release in the West Indies. The government Afro-Caribbean-American eyes, lived lives of dubious paid compensation to all slave owners with money moral quality. borrowed from the banks. The final repayment of this loan was made in 2015! However, before we embrace the This isn’t just a problem for churches. Christopher ‘woke’ view that only Europeans are to blame for the Codrington who was a slave trader in Barbados had the world’s disorders and insist that history can only be seen theological college there named after him and his grant of through 21st century eyes, we should remember that all £10,000 built and stocked the library at All Souls College, have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans Oxford. The National Trust has been looking at some of 3:23). Africans sold Africans to white slave traders and its properties and their contents and asking about the Barbary pirates attacked the coast of Devon to capture source of the capital with which they were built and English slaves. furbished. Tate and Lyle have examined their history and the origins of the contents in the four Tate art galleries. Nevertheless, repentance might well be called for Whilst the founders were not slave owners, the companies because of how people from elsewhere were treated then they came to own had their roots in sugar-producing and are now. Here’s Amazing Grace’s John Newton slavery. For decades our markets were stocked with slave- writing in 1783, 34 years after he has ceased to be a produced goods. slaver. He apologised for a confession which comes too late. “It will always be a subject of Cities too have been looking at their humiliating reflection to me that I was inheritance with Bristol having to once an active instrument in a business cope with Richard Colston’s statue, at which my heart now shudders.” and a concert hall and a Grammar School named after a man who, Lastly, reparations may be in order. whatever his charitable giving, was Students attending Virginia Seminary in basically a slave trader. Plymouth the USA brought their own slaves with was the home port of John Hawkins them to service them. A genealogist is and his cousin Francis Drake. employed to find survivors and Arguably Hawkins was the first compensate them from an Endowment English slave trader (1562) and Drake Fund. American Jesuits used profits accompanied him on some of his based on slavery for the upkeep of expeditions. We laud Drake for being priests, to build schools and fund only the second person to Georgetown University. They hope to circumnavigate the world and his raise $1 billion to address this dubious defeat of the Spanish Armada. At legacy. school I learnt that he was a pirate but not that he was a slave trader who Tom Wright was speaking at a captured Portuguese ships and sold conference in America talking about the slaves on them in the West Indies. Paul’s vision for the church in which He was also a murderer. The evil this there was ‘neither Jew nor Greek, slave man did has not lived after him – until very recently. nor free, no male and female’. (Gal Historically evil is a relative term. Queen Elizabeth I did 3:28). He was stopped in his tracks by a female African not think him evil – she ennobled him. American theologian. ‘You need to remember that when you talk about being “all one in Christ Jesus”, what people And there he is on Holy Trinity’s north wall’s stained- like me hear – whether you mean it like that or not – is glass window which was funded by the War Commission that “you are all now welcome to become honorary white in 1957 in compensation for war damage. He was one of males”.’ Ouch. four men seen as just and true three of whom were Devonians. John Phillpot 7

"SparrowSpa"

On a beautiful sunny morning the sparrow family awoke and stretched their wings.

Dear Friends of the Exmouth Food Bank, "This is a lovely morning" said Mother Sparrow to the fledglings; Zippy, Bufty, In June we delivered 153 parcels and fed 306 people. Although numbers are Dulcie and Anna. reducing we are still serving three times as many people as we were prior to "Yes" they chorused, "what shall we the pandemic. Monthly graphs are available on the statistics page of our do?'' website, which you may find interesting. I know" said Father Sparrow, "why not visit Sparrow Spa?" People from all walks of life use the Food Bank. Some have their benefits stopped whilst they have been in hospital; waiting for over five weeks without Zippy and Dulcie smiled. Mother Sparrow said "It is a Long time since money; not having enough to pay rent or bills. Some people are working and we visited the spa". still struggling. Whatever their financial circumstances many people have experienced bereavement, accidents at work, mental and physical health Buffy and Anna cheered up and began to find the things they needed. Soon they problems, relationship breakdown - the sort of things that can happen to any were ready and away they flew to of us. We have a team of amazing volunteers who all love to engage with Sparrow Spa. people, not only to signpost to other agencies and help them to think of ways The spa is peaceful and secluded; hidden forward, but to make connections with people. We are inspired and humbled behind a Mexican Orange Blossom by peoples gratitude and resilience. We offer empathy and compassion and bush. we do our best to give people hope that things can change. Having checked in , they jumped into the pool laughing and splashing each We are trialing a new idea which we are calling ‘ out of hours boxes.’ We other. have made up some emergency food boxes and plan to deliver these to a After a while, the fledglings became number of designated collection points, such as local churches, schools and tired, so Mother Sparrow suggested community halls. This means if we get an emergency call for food and the sitting at the edge of the pool instead. request is outside of our normal operating hours, we can arrange for the The water felt very nice on their legs client to pick up the box. The box will provide enough food to last them until and the sun-dried their feather’s'. we are open again and can help with their ongoing needs. tt was time to go home., so Mother We are so grateful for all who donate money and food and enable us to serve Sparrow collected all their belongings. people within our Community. If you are able to donate food, this month we Before leaving the pool, Father Sparrow are in need of: checked that the fledglings hadn't left anything behind.

Tinned Vegetables (eg carrots, peas, sweetcorn, mushrooms) Arriving back at the nest, the Sparrow Tinned Tomatoes family agreed that this was the best day Tinned Fruit (eg fruit cocktail, pineapple, peaches) they'd ever had Tinned Rice Pudding Tins & Packets of Custard JULY Jars of Pasta Sauce CROSSWORD ANSWERS

Bless your hearts to everyone who prays for us, donates and volunteers and we thank you for your dedicated support.

Exmouth Food bank Mid July 2021 Elizabeth Reed www.exmouthfoodbank.org

FAMILY MATTERS HAPPY BIRTHDAY WELCOME BACK

It was a great pleasure to welcome Leslie and Martin back to Littleham at To Benedict and also to Alan the end of their recent holiday on Dartmoor. Bartlett, sitting on the bench given to him by the family for CONGRATULATIONS his 90th birthday.

To Charles Jones , on his graduation & both Charlie and Julianne on the birth of their new daughter Lilian Marie . Charlie graduated with an LLB (Hons) degree in Law. He will soon be starting work for a solicitor's firm in Exeter, where he will be specialising in helping people with housing law problems. FAMILY OCCASION

AND FINALLY ‘COS IT’S A NICE PICTURE

Grandad Steve officiating at the baptism of his Grand- daughter Lilian Marie

The Rector watching the sun go down at Sennen Cove in Cornwall on the last night of his holiday

PROPER CREAM TEAS

On a pleasant (thankfully the scorching temperatures of the previous week had dropped) afternoon towards the end of July Churchgoers, their friends and three young ladies from Bristol gathered in our churchyards to enjoy a Cream Tea.

Such events do not just happen, they require planning, baking and buying, as well as arranging and setting out. Our thanks must go to the Teams in our three parishes, who though not quite matching the 5,000 of biblical fame could have probably coped if they had turned up.

(By the way the Bristol contingent (Alice, Izzy and Rose) who were camping in Littleham just happened to see the sign advertising A Free Cream Tea outside the Lych Gate and thought ‘why not’ and were duly welcomed and snapped!

Holy

Trinity

Boys will be boys

Scone, Cream and Jam , in the ‘proper’ Devon way!

Littleham

Lympstone

On Being a Padre….

The term, ‘Padre’ is thought greatly lacking in the moral component. to have come from the part of The Chaplains Department have fought to keep the Napoleonic Wars called ‘Spirituality’ as a part of the moral component – and so, it the Peninsular War (1807- could be argued, that the gospel is both tacitly and 1814). British troops would officially very much a part of the British armed forces. have been rubbing shoulders Strategically that’s great, but what does a Padre at my with Spanish and Portuguese level actually do? The army sees chaplains as a ‘force soldiers, and they would have multiplier’. We promote morality, spirituality and concern picked up the colloquial term ourselves with individuals’ wellbeing through pastoral for a priest which was ‘Padre’ care; but we also endeavour to raise morale. and given it to their own serving chaplains. Morale is recognized as increasing to the Anyway, a bit closer to home and much later in time; on troops ‘fighting spirit’ and so multiplying 11 July Kate and I enjoyed walking up to Holy Trinity for force. the 11:30am service. Benedict led magnificently, and I By the way, my photography helps morale in was impressed with how much work he had done in it’s own way. I use the camera as a ‘way in’, preparing his sermon (He doesn’t write my reports to open relational doors… it also gets me anymore, so I don’t have to be nice). He confessed to involved where I normally having only started preparing the sermon late on Saturday wouldn’t. Good images can help soldiers afternoon due to his workload, and I was reminded of the to see themselves as confident and differences between being a parish priest and being a professional. The images can be sent to padre. Being a parish priest is like living in a pond. Things loved ones while away they also are very familiar, safe, perhaps a little claustrophobic at document the events which will be times and very busy. Being a military chaplain is like become history in the making. The photo living in a stream. There are occasional moments when of the forthcoming Royal Corps of Signals life can feel a bit like being in parish ministry, but then the magazine helps to promote our own unit current takes you away and you find yourself in a different in the wider armed forces. country either on exercise or an operation with a flow of Yes, I still do the occasional Sunday service at the different people. garrison church, there are christenings and weddings and From the outside it would be easy to wonder how a Padre woefully there will be funerals; but a lot fits into an organisation which, among other things, may of the time I find myself simply: be called upon to kill the Queens’ enemies. But strangely ‘Facilitating the manifestation of a we do! When I first thought about becoming a padre I primary truth into a greater state of wondered about the morality of the vocation. This line of existence’. (I’m quite pleased with that reason helped me: quote). Soldiers can often get caught up Should a country have a in the moment. The task in hand defence force? If no – surely becomes the primary focus and the that country would invite environment becomes a little ‘army invasion and so potentially bubble’. In that situation when troops are increase the likelihood of war? rundown and tired it becomes easy to forget the primary If yes – then should the truths. And occasionally simply asking a question like: nation’s defence force be a ‘what is more important, your family or this exercise’? or completely secular ‘Your career or your health’? Those sorts of questions can organisation, should soldiering be a dirty job for non- remind people of the world outside of the army bubble Christians? and priorities can be re-established. I hope no one thinks like that, I would even suggest that it Of course, you don’t need to be a Padre to say such is in just such an organisation like the army that a things. You as a Christian have an eternal perspective on dedicated spiritual and moral presence needs to be present; life. The people you meet as you go about your day will present and appropriately vocal and active. During the be living in a little ‘earthly bubble’. You, as someone who Iraq war of 2003-2011 prisoners were tortured by British knows about the greater ‘primary truths’ of God’s and US troops – was a Padre present? Did he or she do goodness and His grace, I would encourage you to be a anything? They should have! Padre to the world - to pray that God’s Spirit enables you Padre’s do not carry weapons or ammunition, but we do to facilitate the manifestation of primary divine truths into have a place in the forces. a greater state of existence and reality. Military understanding shows that for an army to succeed Every blessing, Huw Ryden it needs 3 effective components. There is the ideological component – a good plan. There is the physical component – the materiel (tanks, planes… etc) to make the plan happen. And there is also the moral component. I see the German war machine of the late 1930’s and early 1940’s has having good planning and good equipment, but 12

THE ANSWER, MY FRIEND, IS BLOWING IN THE WIND

At Open to God, we have been treated to a rich series The west wind blows in the storms with ferocity and on the Holy Spirit – thanks to those who delivered it. strength lashing everything in their path. It knocks down Can I wade in with some thoughts that came out of it weak and out of date structures, saturates the ground with for me? water ready for new growth in the Spring as well as cleansing, purifying and healing. The temptation is to run Francis Bacon said “God has, in fact, written two books, for cover and seek shelter but the most exhilarating not just one. Of course, we are all familiar with the first moments are had standing in the full force of the storm, book he wrote, namely scripture. But he has written a tingling and shivering, letting the rain penetrate right second book called Creation”. through to the skin and being blown almost off your feet. These are life changing moments where the Spirit In Matthew 16 v 3 Jesus recognised that we read the signs challenges, corrects and reveals himself in all his power. in creation and give them meaning. The Holy Spirit is Ladies having had a new hairdo, the wind in a single gust described as the wind (ruach) in the first book perhaps in sends the beautiful creation in all directions, and men the second if the Holy Spirit is the wind then the Spirit of what about, having a dropped a piece of paper, going to Jesus might be the air or breath John 20 v 22. To use pick it up, the wind blows it a few metres further on. another metaphor these maybe two sides of the same Does the Holy Spirit really infuriate us and make fun of coin. The truth of Jesus appeals to all mankind with the us? wind blowing where it wills on all people even the unwary. Bob Dylan could be right when he writes “The The wind from the south blows warm and gentle. It answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind, the answer is bathes us in sunshine and it’s soothing balm goes deep blowing in the wind”. into us. We blossom, we want to tell others of our experiences and be productive in the use of the gifts we So the Spirit has direction and purpose – it accomplishes have been given. The beauty and fruitfulness of Creation that for which it is sent. Living on the top of a hill we overwhelms us. We take a deep breath, relax and experience the wind in all its fullness. The east wind appreciate all that God has done in our lives. On brings with it the bone chilling, persistent, steady flow of occasions, there is no wind when the air is still and silent air forcing us to put on an extra layer of clothes or to and wraps us round like a blanket while we rest in it’s clothe our spirits more of God’s word and understanding. presence.

The North wind blasts in its coldness indicating, despite As Dr Louise reminded us in her sermon: the climax of the absence of warmth, the Spirit is still moving and we creation was not that it was good but that after it God need to stand firm. In our garden, we have established a rested. small wild patch on the north side having discovered that the wind blows in a wide diversity of seeds from the Shalom Peter Turner fields beyond. Despite my best efforts, the untidy beauty of this patch outshines my carefully manicured flower beds. Of course, not all the seeds germinate, some die and some blow into the sea. The Spirit then blows in new ideas and fresh personnel to encourage the church to LIGHTHOUSE YOUTH MINISTRY flourish and diversify resulting in abundant life, but not all will germinate. On Saturday 7 August we are holding a launch event to promote our new youth ministry and branding.

We are holding this in the Manor Gardens between 10am-4pm and will have various activities such as sports competitions, use of the stage with music and dance competitions, face painting, free food & leaflet giveaways which explain more about what Lighthouse Youth Ministry is all about.

We want to promote the wellbeing of our young people in the town and will use this event to propel that message while also demonstrating the aim and purpose of Lighthouse Youth Ministry.

We will need all the help and prayers possible to make this event a success. Please contact me for any further questions & see how you can get involved

THE NUN’S TALE …. This is the penultimate part of this fascinating tale - concludes next month Chapter 8 Mistress. We pretended that we had

each committed some terrible sin so No Novice was ever expected to dreadful that we would never dare express an opinion or use her to confess it to anyone. The Novice initiative; I was in terrible trouble Mistress, completely unaware that with the Novice mistress on at least she was being “set up” became two occasions for doing just that! extremely agitated. We were still carrying on with this

nonsense when the Reverend Mother rose from her chair Once, on the evening before a special to say the customary Grace at the end of the meal. From occasion when a large number of visitors were expected, this moment strict silence had to be kept, not only until one of the Chaplains asked how many people would be after breakfast the next morning as usual, but because it likely to be in Chapel the next day. This largely depended would be Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, there on how many pupils from the school would be coming. would be no more talking for an extra twenty-four hours.

For the whole rest of the next day, the other Novice and I Sister Valerie had been unwell and had gone to bed early, kept receiving little notes from the Novice Mistress so I was on my own in the Chapel and it seemed to me urging us to go to her separately and tell her about this that the obvious thing to do was to send a message to the awful thing that we were supposed to have done. We Sister in charge of the school asking her to let the could have no communication with each other without Chaplain know the numbers. This I did without a second being seen, and as the day dragged on each of us were thought and all might have been well had I not casually wondering how we could invent some plausible but mentioned it to the Novice Mistress in conversation. “Do sufficiently horrific tale to satisfy the Novice Mistress and you realise what you have done?” she asked furiously. extricate ourselves from this situation. “No,” I replied innocently. This only seemed to add to her anger. “You, a mere Novice, have dared to send a message In the end, in desperation, I believe I invented to one of the most senior sisters giving her instructions!” some childish crime like stealing sweets from she exclaimed. “You will hear more of this!” In vain I the open counters in the Woolworths of those protested my innocence and enquired what I should have days while my companion confessed to done. I do not recall receiving any reply to this. The whole stealing from her \mother’s purse. I have often episode was a storm in a teacup. I never heard any more wondered if the Novice Mistress really believed that we about it from the Sister at the school, but the Novice were that naive or if she realised that it had all been a Mistress continued to let me know that I was in disgrace stupid joke on our part. for some time afterwards. Final episode - next month!

The second episode that caused a real, upset for the whole Novitiate happened one Easter. I was in the Choir, and one of the Professed Sisters and myself had to lead the singing for a particular part of the service. Unfortunately the officiating Priest missed out a whole section, and the Sister next to me whispered that we would have to omit a corresponding part of the music, which we did. I have rarely seen anyone so upset about this as the Novice Mistress. She refused to speak to me for two whole days during which everyone else suffered from the stony silences. Again, the whole thing seemed incredibly childish.

Sometimes I think the fact that we were treated like children made us behave in a very immature way. Once at supper another Novice and I had the silliest conversation which we made sure was overheard by the Novice 14

A Journey in Mission

Over forty years ago, while working at St Bridget’s We were married just six months when we were hijacked Nursery, God challenged me to use my skills to serve by armed rebels in South Sudan, and nearly lost our others and seek to make Jesus known in tough remote lives. I knew how deeply I loved my Heather, when a places. I never thought of myself as special or brave; I rough soldier started hitting her around the face – but I loved working in Devon but just knew I had to follow had a gun at my back. Not an ideal start to our united that call. mission work in South Sudan, but an experience that bonded us deeply to people who knew such suffering Tanzania proved to be a great training ground, but a regularly. We experienced the humility of receiving tough assignment, learning to serve under a difficult clothes from some of the world’s poorest people. We leader. But God taught me so much about His deep love learnt what it was like to be vulnerable and depend for the poorest, the sick and the forgotten. I will never totally on God. We had ten rewarding and exciting years forget the healing of crippled and possessed people, as we in South Sudan, and found it very hard to leave, but prayed after preaching about prayer! No head questions, knew God’s gentle call to Uganda. no doubts, just obedient trust. Mission in the North West corner of Uganda, is Mabutu’s Zaire was no walk in the park either! Danger complicated, challenging and very rewarding! Eleven from sickness, accident and lawless gunmen coupled with years of struggling, weeping, laughing, planting, an amazingly receptive rural community, willing to risk birthing, supporting, teaching and growing together change. Word and deed mingled so naturally under cannot easily be wrapped up and left behind. Working pressure! I could go on, but this isn’t about me or with struggling farmers, seeking to replant much needed adventure; it is about following the call of Jesus, trees, demonstrating sustainable farming practices, wherever and whenever. If He calls, go for it! You’ll supporting young mothers, reducing the death rate of never regret it! young children and helping girls to see themselves as unique and beautiful. We may never know the impact of I believed I was called for a long-term commitment. I our small interactions which like the five loaves and two never guessed I would be 40 years in Eastern Africa! But fishes, God will take and multiply. Word is inexorably God’s call comes to the individual, and may be a call to linked to little deeds of love. Jesus did it, and He calls us cross the street, open up your home, join a short-term to join Him in still doing it! mission team or offer for a longer assignment overseas. Each is as valid and vital as the other. What matters is As in the West, many young people are lured to the obeying that gentle call of Jesus. bright, exciting life of the city, trying to find happiness and quick riches. The attractions of material possessions When the pressure of war increased in Zaire, I needed to are leading many people into debt. The gap between the take occasional breaks in Uganda. On one of these breaks rich and poor is growing wider. I was house sitting for a family who loved their cat! But that cat wandered into the woods and was caught in a The risk of loving is the risk of pain. Mission has a lot of fierce mantrap. I released it, wrapping it in a towel, and both, and these last months have been a strange mix of took it to the house to clean up the messy wound that tears and laughter, excitement and heartbreak. This land needed stitches! I could get the suture from Kuluva we now call our passport country not home is a strange hospital, nearby, but who could stitch him? I heard TEAR place! Language – ‘so.’ ‘I mean.’ ‘you know’ have Fund health workers were gathering nearby so set off to changed their grammatical usage. And the cultural see if anyone was changes here are so many! How fortunate we are, not just willing to help ------and to have cereals, but a choice of fifty types? We Heather volunteered! appreciate long, powerful warm showers that just need There began a lovely turning on to clean and refresh you. Having shelves filled friendship that with books we will enjoy reading and not having to developed into love and move them often to stop the termites from eating them. later to marriage and a Life is so easy, but yet we are so poor in our relating to long 21-year journey each other! Africans do it so much better! Coming to together in overseas England, we were hit by the SPEED of everything – we mission! I can’t imagine talk fast, we drive fast, we demand speed in all we do. life without her, now! Slow down and enjoy the walk with Jesus!

As a single person, you can take more risks, work longer Our future looks very different from our past – or does and get more deeply involved in the life of the it? We will never let go of that mission heart God has community. But who carries your burdens, dreams, plans given us, but we have been called to a new and different and fears as you walk with God? Married mission is place – the United Kingdom! Yes, next year sees us different! Hospitality, companionship, shared burdens, retiring. God has opened up a way for us to live in united vision and so much more, make you a different but Northern Ireland. But before that, we look forward to more respected contributor to church life in Mission. seeing YOU soon.

David Sharland 15

A C 14 ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where — and R U rust destroy’ (Matthew 6:19) (4) O 15 Employs (4) 18 Associated with penitence for G S sins, along with sackcloth (Matthew 11:21) (5) S 20 Association of South-East Asian U Nations (1,1,1,1,1) W 21 Sub-continent to which Baptist S O missionary pioneer William Carey devoted his life (5) R 22 Recess at east end of a church T (4) D 23 One of the nine sons of Beriah (1 Chronicles 8:15) (4) 25 ‘He has sent me to — up the Across broken-hearted’ (Isaiah 61:1) (4) 1 Of Moses (6) 26 At or towards the rear of a ship 4 ‘You have been weighed on the (6) Doodle Box! — and found wanting’ 27 Cross-carrying evangelist and (Daniel 5:27) (6) world traveller, — Blessitt (6) 7 Where Jesus performed the first Down of his miraculous signs (John 2:11) 1 Ridicule (Luke 18:32) (4) (4) 2 Encased in strapped-on light shoes 8 Roman emperor who ordered all (Song of Songs 7:1) (9) the Jews to leave Rome (Acts 18:2) 3 Cambridge Inter-Collegiate (8) Christian Union (1,1,1,1,1) 9 Member of a conservative Jewish 4 ‘Father, give me my — of your party in the Sanhedrin which estate’ (Luke 15:12) (5) believed there was no resurrection 5 Assistant (4) (Acts 23:8) (8) 6 On a par (John 5:18) (5) 13 South London Mission (1,1,1) 10 Credo (anag.) (5) 16 Sure of one’s own ability (2 11 Beaten with a rod (5) Corinthians 11:17) (4-9) 12 The fourth of Job’s ‘comforters’, 17 ‘At this the man’s face fell. He who deferred making his went away — , because he had great contribution because of his junior wealth’ (Mark 10:22) (3) status (Job 32:6) (5) 19 Airs used (anag.) (8) 13 Chosen as a temple attendant, he 24 ‘The Lord is my — , I shall not was described by Ezra as ‘a capable be in want’ (Psalm 23:1) (8) man’ (Ezra 8:18) (9)

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) IMPORTANT TCW Fashions ANNOUNCEMENT As a result of the Coronavirus outbreak and in light of the recent Government advice, The Blackmore Theatre Exmouth Indoor Market is now closed until further notice. We continue to review the ongoing changes. Ladies Fashions, shoes & tights Please keep checking our Blackmore Theatre website (blackmoretheatre.co.uk) and our Children’s hair bows Facebook page for any further information Baby upwards Size 6-25 and announcements. Rest assured, we will be back as and when it will be safe to re- open our wonderful theatre again. Prices from £1 CANCELLED & POSTPONED Don’t be shy give us a try PRODUCTIONS & EVENTS: Our mornings and Prize Only Bingo have all been cancelled until further notice. We are Kate, Caylin, Tom & Alek Williams currently looking toward rescheduling most of our postponed productions for this year 07557871710 either for later this year depending on events and Government advice, or for next year. We wish you all the very best at this difficult time and hope you will all stay healthy. 16

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TO HELP YOU PRAY IN AUGUST COVID UPDATE FROM THE RECTOR

Following the lifting most of the COVID regulations on

Monday 19 July, we now have to consider how we will S 1 Trinity 9 The Mission Community apply this freedom into the worshipping life of the Church. Clearly, many people have been waiting a long M 2 Covid Test Centres time for the lifting of the regulations, and yet many T 3 Beach Lifeguards people are also still anxious about the virus, in light of W 4 Spiritual Directors increasing infection numbers. After prayer, seeking wise counsel, and taking the views of people across the Th 5 Army chaplains Mission Community, my intended way forward is as F 6 Transfiguration Revelation of God’s glory follows:- Sa 7 Church organists

The sanitising of hands. I propose that we keep asking people attending both services and events at our churches S 8 Trinity 10 Local Clergy to sanitise their hands on entry, to continue for now M 9 Mothers Union T 10 Animal Charities Booking. People will no longer need to book a place to attend a worship service at one of our churches. W 11 S Clare Chosen poverty Th 12 Mentally distressed Track & Trace. This must continue at present, although F 13 All nurses our knowledge of most people attending our services will enable us to do this with the minimum of disruption. Sa 14 Peaceful protesters

Social Distancing. Each church will offer seating at our S 15 Trinity 11 Blessed Virgin Mary services without social distancing being applied, and also some seating where social distancing is facilitated. M 16 Covid Test and Trace T 17 Food distribution centres The Peace. For the foreseeable future The Peace will W 18 Disadvantaged Teanagers continue as a Holy Wave, rather than physical contact. Th 19 Pharmacies Mask Wearing. At our usual weekend services mask F 20 Salvation Army wearing will no longer be mandatory. Out of a care for Sa 21 Holiday home cleaners those attending services who may be anxious about the virus, we invite those in attendance to wear a mask when entering or leaving the church, or when moving about S 22 Trinity 12 Aylesbeare Deanery within it. Masks can be removed when in seats, or when M 23 Home help providers taking refreshments. It may be that those attending still wish to wear a mask during the service, which is fine. It T 24 S Bartholomew Church of S India may be that those attending would wish not to wear a W 25 Children's’ playparks mask during the service, which is also fine. Th 26 Nursing & Care homes

Singing in Church. I propose that we make a cautious F 27 S Monica Christian mothers return to congregational singing in church. By cautious, I Sa 28 S Augustine Teachers of Faith mean that at this juncture a congregational song may be sung both at the start and the ending of the service. This limiting of congregational singing to two songs spread S 29 Trinity 13 Our Bishops apart within the service may reduce risk of transmission M 30 Street pastors while allowing the recommencement of singing, which is T 31 S Aiden Missionaries so precious to our common life. Each church where singing is to take place indoors must be ventilated to the best extent that the building will sensibly permit. We are inviting people to attempt singing with a mask this forthcoming Sunday to trial the practice, and also to attempt to somewhat limit the aerosol effect of our singing. This is optional. People may remove their mask to sing, if they wish.

Holy Communion. Although it is my aspiration to return to Holy Communion in two kinds, currently we have Deadline for been unable to establish a COVID Safe method for this to happen, therefore, sadly we would ask you wait just a SEPTEMBER NET little longer until we establish that COVID Safe method. is Friday 13 August COVID-SECURE service. During this interim period, a It will be published on Sunday 29 August COVID-SECURE Eucharistic service will be held each Wednesday at Noon at Holy Trinity Church. This service Articles and pictures to Tony Mortimer is to offer a safe environment for those people who do not yet feel confident to attend a Sunday service of worship Email: [email protected] without the previous COVID safeguards. Steve Jones, Rector 19

THE 2021 MISSION COMMUNITY CRICKET MATCH

The third Mission Community Cricket Match, eventually (after a postponement due to poor weather conditions) took place on a beautiful afternoon. It would have been perfect if only the wicket selected for our use hadn’t been so far away making it virtually impossible to see the action without a telescope. However, the crowd enjoyed the opportunity to chat with friends and applaud the prowess of the players as appropriate. The tea tent was well supported and kept us supplied with tea, cakes and soft drinks.

The result, well some say Holy Trinity, some disagree and praise Littleham, was lost in the mists of time. Anyway its only a game and there’s always next year.

Our thanks to Paul for organising the event and cajoling us to take part even if we were just distant supporters.