Readings for April The monthly Anglican/Methodist Newsletter to help you as you prepare for services ‘Christian Love in Action’

Sunday 2nd April (P) Sunday 16th April (W) 5th Sunday of Lent Easter Day CONNECTED Ezekiel 37: 1-14 Colossians 3: 1-4 Romans 8: 6-11 Acts 10: 34-43 John 11: 1-45 John 20: 1-18

Sunday 9th April (R) Sunday 23rd April (W) nd Palm Sunday 2 Sunday of Lent

Isaiah 50: 4-9a Acts 2: 14a, 22-32 Psalm 118, 1-2, 19-29 1 Peter 1: 3-9 Matthew 21: 1-11 John 20: 19-end

Saturday 15th April (W) Sunday 30th April (W) rd Easter Eve 3 Sunday of Easter

Zephaniah 3: 14-20 Acts 2: 14a, 36-41 Romans 6: 3-11 1 Peter 1: 17-23 Matthew 28: 1-10 Luke 24: 13-35

APRIL 2017 Note: readings may vary at some services, according to the theme

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Contacts KEY DATES

Church Chapel Monday—each week Rector Revd Sue Macbeth Bookworms, Black Torrington Chapel 2.00 pm—4.00 pm Revd Preb Kathy Roberts 01271 345445 The Rectory [email protected] Monday—fortnightly Monday 10th/24th April Black Torrington Bible Exploration, Black Torrington, 7.00 pm Beaworthy EX21 5PU Rural Worker: Andy Jerrard 07801 755732 Tuesday —each week 01409 231279 [email protected] Pop-in, Black Torrington Chapel, from 10.30 am

Reader: Chapel Stewards: Wednesday—each week Items for weekly pew sheet to [email protected] Mark Neave 01409 231556 Black Torrington

[email protected] Peter Ellis 01409 231309 Rose Fielder 01409 231214 Thursday—each week Churchwardens: Don Harkness 01409 231825 Pop-in, Black Torrington Chapel, from 10.30 am including Internet Café Black Torrington, St Mary’s Bradford (chapel now closed for worship) Sheila Grabham 01409 231581 th th Val Letheren 01409 231430 Marjorie Smale 01409 281560 4 Thursday—each month Thursday 27 April Time Out, Black Torrington Village Hall. 12.30 pm Bradford, All Saints, Shebbear/Lake with Cookbury, St John Graeme Quance 01409 281248 1st Friday—each month Friday 7th April Geoff Pitt 01409 221507 Cake and Coffee, Black Torrington Chapel, 10.00 am—12.00 noon Vivien Radford 01409 255550 Sheepwash Helen Orr 01409 231199 2nd Saturday—each month Saturday 8th April

Highampton, Holy Cross Benefice Saturday Church, Bradford Village Hall, 10.00 am Jackie Ody 01409 231239 Woodacott

Bob Luckhurst 01409 231555 Last Saturday—each month Saturday 29th April Mrs J Vanstone Black Torrington Village Hall Table Top Sale, St Mary’s Table Thornbury, St Peter’s Mrs. A Bond 01409 261221 Mike Chandler 01409 253150 10.00 am—12.00 noon David Whitehead 01409 261777 th th 18 —each month Tuesday18 April Items for Connected and Mission Community News to [email protected]

Benefice Website Circuit Website www.black-torrington-benefice.org.uk www.torridgecircuit.co.uk

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Contents St Mary’s Church, Black Torrington

Many thanks to all who donate cakes, jams and other goods each month at St Mary’s table, Church Contacts 2 at the Village Hall Table Top Sale, for church funds. Contents 3 In February we raised £75.00 Benefice Services 4

North Devon Foodbank News from the Rectory 6

At present, North Devon Foodbank has plenty of baked beans, Prayer Chain, The Cross 7 breakfast cereals, tea and tinned fish. Chapel Services 8 The most urgently needed items include: • Saturday Church 9 tinned fruit, tinned vegetables, • UHT fruit juice and milk, Rector’s Report 2017 10 • tinned rice pudding, • dried milk, March Calendar 12

• tinned cold meats, Holy Cross Church Concert Thanks and Easter Bingo 14 • instant mash Choral Evensong, Exercise Group 15

LIFT LIST Music at St Mary’s, Ladies Lunch 16

Time Out, Flower Festival 17 These names are of those people willing to provide transport to Call to Compassion Prayer Vigil 18 Services and events within the Benefice Thank you, Benefice News, Cake and Coffee, 19 Peter Roberts 231799 Thoughts, Exeter Cathedral Cards 20 Wendy Stratton 231426 Anne Gray 231231 Word Search 21 Morag Lobley 281800 Margaret & Martin Taylor 281327 St Mary’s Table, Food Bank, Lift List 22

Key Dates 23 If anyone else would like to offer lifts to Services and events within the Benefice, please let Sheila Grabham Readings for April 24 know so the list can be updated in Connected. [email protected] or 01409 231581 22 3

Black Torrington Benefice Services The Empty Tomb in April John 20: 1-18 Services at parish church unless otherwise indicated

Saturday 1st April 7.00 pm Thornbury Compline

Sunday 2nd April 9.30 am Thornbury Holy Communion 11.00 am Black Torrington Iona Holy Communion 6.30 pm Bradford Taize Service

Thursday 6th April 8.15 am Bradford Morning Pryaer 8.30 am Bradford Silent Prayer 9.00 am Bradford Iona Holy Communion

Saturday 8th April 10.00 am Bradford Village Hall Saturday Church 7.00 pm Black Torrington Compline

Sunday 9th April PALM SUNDAY 11.00 am Black Torrington Benefice Family Holy Communion early Mary angels gardener first Magdalene white teacher Monday 10th April day tomb Lord Father 6.00 pm Highampton Holy Communion and week stone woman brothers Stations of the Cross dark moved crying disciples

Tuesday 11th April 6.00 pm Thornbury Holy Communion and Bible Memory Verse Stations of the Cross Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" Wednesday 12th April And she told them that he had said these things to her. 6.00 pm Bradford Holy Communion and John 20:18 (NIV) Stations of the Cross Puzzle created with Vocabulary Worksheet Factory Sermons4kids.com

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We will know we have the perfect church when we hear: Thursday 13th April MAUNDY THURSDAY 2.30 pm Burdon Grange Holy Communion Hey! It’s my turn to sit in the front pew. 7.00 pm Black Torrington Holy Communion

I was so enthralled, I never noticed your sermon went Friday 14th April GOOD FRIDAY 25 minutes over time. 10.00 am Bradford Village Hall Story Time/Hot Cross Buns

Personally, I find PCC meetings more enjoyable than golf. 12.00 noon Thornbury Good Friday Service 2.00 pm Highampton Good Friday Service

I’ve decided to give our church £75 extra a month. th Saturday 15 April EASTER EVE I love it when we sing hymns I’ve never heard before. 8.00 pm Thornbury Service of Light Since we’re all here, let’s start the service early Holy Communion

Vicar, we’d like to send you on holiday to the Bahamas. Sunday 16th April EASTER DAY

Terry Anning 6.00 am Bradford Dawn Holy Communion (Bring and Share breakfast) 9.30 am Bradford Holy Communion 11.00 am Black Torrington Holy Communion

Sunday 23rd April 9.30 am Thornbury APCM Holy Communion 11.00 am Highampton Holy Communion 6.30 pm Black Torrington Celtic Service

Thursday 27th April 8.15 am Highampton Morning Prayer 8.30 am Highampton Silent Prayer 2.30 pm Burdon Grange Service

Saturday 29th April 11.00 am Thornbury 24 hour Prayer Vigil

Sunday 30th April 11.00 am Thornbury Benefice Holy Communion

Every week

EXETER CATHEDRAL CARDS Monday and Wednesday - Morning Prayer 8.00 am St Mary’s, Black Torrington Would you like to visit Exeter Cathedral? Tuesday - Prayer Breakfast, 8.00 am, The Rectory Jackie Ody has the entrance cards for the (Not during Holy Week) Benefice to enable us to visit for free.

If you would like to use the cards, please contact Jackie on 01409 231239 or call into Highampton Shop 20 5

From the Rectory, Revd Kathy Roberts writes: Thank you Gerry from the Churchlands Trust

A Native American elder, a grandmother, was once asked what she Gerry Matthews has just stood down as secretary to the Black had done to become so happy, so wise, so loved and respected. She Torrington Churchlands Trust after nearly 40 years. Thank you Ger- replied: ‘It's because I know that there are two wolves in my heart, a ry for your faithful service over many years. A remarkable achieve- wolf of love and a wolf of hate (link is external). And I know that ment. everything depends on which one I feed each day.’ Kathy Roberts (Chair) At a recent Thursday morning Eucharist we considered the story of the Rich Man and the poor man, Lazarus, at his gate, a very old story Some Benefice News that was in circulation that Jesus used to drive home some very From the Registers uncomfortable truths. The early Christians struggled with questions about justice, especially when they saw wealthy people die who were Funerals never good to others, never shared, never loved and were certainly Jean Ann Sunderland not open to the Lord. It’s a contemporary struggle too! Tristram Hope Dill Smyth

The Bible is very clear that good is good and evil is evil. If you do Happy Birthday to all who celebrated a Birthday in March what is good, you will enjoy its fruits. If you do what is evil you will including: suffer the consequences. Heaven starts now – not when we die. Hell, Avis Radford Liz Priest that state of being where you don’t love anymore, where you are cut David Whitehead Val Wood off, alone, without life, begins now. Maurice Thomas Anne Gray Wendy Rose Val Ough Jesus came to show and tell! He lived life to the full. He demonstrated Dorothy Chandler Davina Dimmock-Wright giving love and receiving love. His life was extremely busy, but he Jane Bridges Den Priest cared for himself sufficiently to stop his busyness and take time out to Vera Bryant re-charge his batteries, to be renewed in his spirit by his contact with God. There was no Poor One at the gate of Jesus’ heart. There was Congratulations to all who celebrated a Wedding no Rich One throwing a tantrum demanding attention – that battle Anniversary in March including: had been won in the desert when Jesus recognised his true priorities. Kathy and Peter Roberts Val and Brian Ough We have a Lazarus, a Poor One, and a Rich One living within. We Avril and Den Priest tend to indulge the siren demands of the Rich One within. There is secret pleasure in nursing a resentment or a grudge or a hurt. The Cake and Coffee sympathy we feed ourselves with is not real love. It’s an imitation Black Torrington Chapel which fools us into believing that forgiveness is too hard and we can’t th do it. The Rich One expects to be indulged with the things fill our Friday 7 April 10.00 am—12.00 noon time and take our attention, shutting out the possibility of deepening a relationship with God. And the Poor One - our true self - lies at This popular fund-raising event takes place on the the gate of our hearts longing to be fed and nourished by Love. first Friday of every month 6 19

The United Benefice of Black Torrington, Bradford with Cookbury, Jesus could only live the life he lived, and die the death he died Thornbury and Highampton because he knew who he was, he knew he was loved and he knew that God could be trusted to the uttermost. The resurrection Call to Compassion vindicated Jesus’ trust in God. Goodness is stronger than evil; Starting at 11.00am on Saturday 29th April Love is stronger than hate; there is to be a Light is stronger than darkness; Life is stronger than death; 24 Hour Prayer Vigil Victory is ours through Him who loves us Desmond Tutu At St Peter’s Church, Thornbury Kathy Praying for charities and churches as they practise

Compassion in Action

A group of people who pray privately (and in strict confidence) for specific situations.

If you, or anyone you know, is in need of prayer for any reason, please contact: Maureen Ellis - 01409 231309 [email protected] Sheila Grabham - 01409 231581 [email protected] Margaret Taylor - 01409 281327 ...and if you would like to be part of this unseen but essential ministry, please contact Kathy Roberts or Maureen Ellis

Can you spare an hour (or more) to join us in prayer, in St Peter’s, or at home? Do you need transport? If so, please contact Cyd Churchill: [email protected] The cross is the standing statement of 01409 231188 what we do to one another and to ourselves.

Join us at 11.00 on Sunday 30th, as our vigil concludes with a The resurrection is the standing statement of service of Holy Communion. There will be a guest speaker what God does to us in return. from Christian Aid Richard Rohr 18 7

Torridge Circuit Time Out Lunch Circuit Administrator: Mrs Sheila Babb 01805 622949 The next Time Out is on th April Services at Hope Chapel, Thursday 27 April . It is open to anyone who would like to come. Black Torrington

There is no set charge but donations are appreciated.

It would be helpful to know numbers a day or two beforehand.

Sunday 2nd April 11.00 am Mr Peter Webb Please let Maureen know on 01409 231309.

Sunday 9th April PALM SUNDAY For that day only look out for posters etc as all sorts of exciting 11.00 am United Palm Sunday Service things will be in the village hall for most of the day to advertise and At St Mary’s Church demonstrate what more could be on offer in the future. It is being Sunday 16th April EASTER DAY organised by Taw and Torridge Voluntary Services (TTVS). 11.00 am Pastor David Wilson (S)

rd Lunch will be available to everyone that comes from about 12.30pm. Sunday 23 April 11.00 am Dr David Hudson Teas and Coffees available all day.

Sunday 30th April 11.00 am Café-style Worship

St Mary’s Church Lake Chapel, Shebbear Village Flower Festival 9.00pm on the last Wednesday of every month Compline - a short service for the end of the day, a particular blessing Friday 2nd June, Saturday 3rd June, at the day’s end when there is nothing to rush off to afterwards! Sunday 4th June, Monday 5th June Contact Helen Orr 01409 231199 for further details. ‘Inspired by…………’

If you would like to sponsor a pew end in memory of a loved one or a special occasion for £5.00 or sponsor a flower arrangement, please Our Circuit is being supported by Revd Sue Macbeth (from the Unit- contact Sue Brice 01409 231630 or email [email protected] ed Reformed Church) two days a week. She can be contacted on

01271 345445 or [email protected]. On Wednesday 3rd May a tea and cake afternoon will be held in the Church 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm to raise funds towards the purchasing

flowers for the Festival. SERVICES AT WOODACOTT METHODIST CHAPEL The next meeting to further discuss the arrangements for the Flower For details of Services please contact: Iris Fry 01409 261322 Festival is to be held in the Church on Monday 3rd April at 4.30 pm. Do come along if you would like to help in any way.

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Music at St. Mary’s

Concerts for 2017 begin with a visit by Barnstaple Ladies Choir on Friday 21st April at 7.30 p.m. Do have a look at their website www.barnstapleladieschoir.org where you can see and hear a taste of the music they will sing. Apart from the very high standard they set themselves, they are also famed for their beautiful jackets!

Please do come and start off our musical year on Friday 21st. April. As you know we do not do tickets but just give your name to Ja- net Fisher 01409 261882, Sheila Grabham 01409 231581, or Val Letheren 01409 231430. Prices £6.00 beforehand and £7.00 on the door.

If you feel able a plate of food is always welcome! We are well known now for our refreshments after the concerts – it is a high standard to maintain!

Dates for your diary: Saturday 1st July – The North Devon Accordion Band Friday 1st September – Force Five – a highly acclaimed wind quintet

You can’t say we don’t offer you variety! Janet Fisher.

Ladies Lunch—Thursday 20th April Rydon Inn, Holsworthy

Please let Val know if you would like to join us by Sunday 16th April

All are welcome to join us, bring your friends along. Please speak to Val Letheren 01409 231430 for further information

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Rector’s Report Choral Evensong

2017 We were very privileged at the end of February to host Choral One church, five different venues. This past year many of us in the Evensong led by Exeter Cathedral Choir. benefice have realised and experienced how good ‘together’ is, whether it is worshipping or fundraising or anything in between! The choir arrived early to rehearse and the sound coming from the Church as I walked up the path was amazing.

We have also found great encouragement in worshipping together in A wonderful tea was served to the choir and congregation before the a larger body of people. There is great support in shared expertise service. We are most grateful to all who donated food and helped and person-power. Friendships are formed and workloads eased. The serving tea and clearing up. I did wonder how the young girls of the bell-ringers from three of the churches support one another in one choir were going to sing after the amount of food they consumed!! another’s church towers. The choir were directed by Timothy Noon and the Organist was Dr Ed Jones. The congregation joined in with the hymns. As resources become more thinly stretched, ‘together’ is the only way to go, and to grow. While each of us might feel a loyalty to ‘our’ This was such a moving experience and it was wonderful to see so particular parish church, our bigger loyalty is to the benefice, to all many people fill the church. I do hope that they will return to our Benefice in the not too distant future. our brothers and sisters in Christ in this area. A donation of £50 has been sent to the Cathedral Choir as a thank We have much to be thankful for : you for coming to Black Torrington.

• All the churches in the benefice have paid their Common Fund Thanks must also go to Kathy for arranging for the choir to come to in full – a great achievement! us and also to all who helped with the preparation of the Church. • Each of the churches has had dedicated, conscientious church wardens. I am so grateful to them for all that they have done. Sheila Grabham • Communication is good. People can find out what is happening

through our the website, facebook, the monthly Connected, the Exercise Group weekly pew sheet which is made available at the back of the churches and by email and clear noticeboards which are outside at least two of the churches. • Saturday Church thrives, thanks to those who give of their time and resources each month. Adults enjoy it as much as the children. If you haven’t been along yet, why not give it a try? A gentle chair-based exercise group has started at the Chapel, Black • The Singers have enhanced worship at different times through Torrington on a morning when there is already a Pop-in to offer the year with their enthusiastic singing. drinks and refreshments, and the building will be warm. The Tutor is • Our contact with all three schools is very much valued. We are paid £3 by each person when they come and there will be a donation also grateful for the work that Jonathan Schnarr is doing pot to help cover the Chapel costs of heating and refreshments. amongst young people at Holsworthy Community College Next date is: Tuesday 25th April • Mark is midway through his first year of ordination training and his help and support is much appreciated. It is great fun, do give it a try

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CONCERT BY TAMAR VALLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR People give generously to Food Bank. After some difficulty when Bude Food Bank began to operate independently of the Trussell Trust, the food we collect is now taken to Bideford Food Bank which remains under the umbrella of the Trussell Trust.

Opportunities are available to pray together through the week - Morning Prayer, Prayer Breakfast, Silent Prayer, Iona Holy Communion, Compline on Saturday evening. Prayer cards with a short Midday Office are available in each church for anyone who would like to specifically pray at midday. All these opportunities are ‘touching places’ with God. If you haven’t been, come along and see for yourself. Venues and times are well advertised.

A regular study and fellowship group meets every fortnight, increasing to weekly during Lent and Advent. This is a great opportunity to grow in your Christian life. Come and join us!

Our photo shows the Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir in action at the The theme of the past year, and continuing into this year, is highly successful concert held in Highampton Village Hall on Saturday compassion. We explore ways of showing compassion and support 18 March, in aid of the Highampton Church Restoration Fund. The others who practically demonstrate compassion, such as Polly Frost leading soloist at the concert was Bob Westlake, a former resident of who helped refugees in Calais just before Christmas. Highampton, widely known in the local area. His popularity ensured a large audience for the event. We face some hard realities: i. some people are becoming increasingly frail and find it Our sincere thanks to the choir for a very enjoyable musical evening, difficult to attend church. to all those who came and to all the helpers. The concert raised in ii. few young people are joining us. excess of £750 towards the church repairs and we are most grateful iii. little increase in our overall numbers. for this valuable contribution. iv. church buildings needing constant, expensive repair and restoration – a huge drain on our finite human and financial Churchwardens and PCC of Holy Cross Church, Highampton resources. Wardens, ministry team and PCC’s are becoming tired. Holy Cross Church, Highampton We cannot afford to be complacent or apathetic. The Lord wants to Wednesday 12th April resource us and lead us into new and different ways. Can we take Doors Open 7.30 pm Eyes Down 8pm time to listen to him in prayer, then roll up our sleeves and do what At the Village Hall he tells us to do – together?

Good Easter Prizes Revd Preb Kathy Roberts

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Calendar April 2017

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

1 2

3 BT Chapel 4 BT Chapel Pop-In 5 Lent Course 6 BT Chapel Pop-In 7 BT Chapel Cake and 8 Saturday Church 9 Palm Sunday Bookworms 2-4pm 10.30 am-12noon 10.30 am-12noon Coffee

10 HOLY WEEK 11 BT Chapel Pop-In 12 Highampton Bingo 8pm 13 Maundy Thursday 14 Good Friday 15 Easter Saturday 16 Easter Day BT Chapel 10.30 am-12noon BT Chapel Pop-In Bookworms 2-4pm 10.30 am-12noon

BT Chapel Home Group 7pm

17 Easter Monday 18 BT Chapel Pop-In 19 20 BT Chapel Pop-In 21 Concert BT 7.30 pm 22 23 Thornbury APCM 10.30 am-12noon 10.30 am-12noon Barnstaple Ladies Choir 9.30 am

Ladies Lunch

24 BT Chapel 25 BT Chapel Pop-In 26 27 BT Chapel Pop-In 28 29 BT Table Top Sale 30 5th Sunday Bookworms 2-4pm 10.30 am-12noon 10.30 am-12noon Thornbury Christian Aid 24 hour Prayer Vigil 11am BT Chapel Home Group Time Out Thornbury 7pm Bradford PCC 12 13