To obtain a copy of The Estuary Magazine please visit St Margaret's Church or The Topsham Bookshop.
MISSION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTERw.b. 14th June 2026Hello All!I was reminded recently of the Art of Kintsugi; a Japanese method of embracing broken pottery and reassembling with gold. This is something that we perhaps all need to hear:In a culture that often values perfection above all else, Kintsugi offers a refreshing perspective on beauty, resilience, and the human experience. By celebrating imperfection and embracing the art of repair, Kintsugi invites us to find gold in the cracks, transforming brokenness into beauty and honoring the inherent value of every moment and every experience. As we journey through life's ups and downs, may we remember the wisdom of Kintsugi – that imperfection is not a flaw but a feature, and that true beauty lies in the courage to embrace our brokenness and shine brightly, scars and all.LouiseLouise’s email address: vicartopshamwear@gmail.comSafeguardingFor any safeguarding concerns, please contact :Katie Gray: safeguardingtopshamwear@gmail.comFor issues with rough sleepers:Louise Grace: vicartopshamwear@gmail.comPlease send all contributions for the newsletter to Gill Yates by Thursday evening.gyates@uwclub.netPastoral Principles for Living Together Well CourseThis course is published by the Pastoral Advisory Group of the Church of England. The description of the course says ‘As communities of Christians we are held together in the love of Christ. Our many differences are gifts that can build us up in trust and mutual affection … or they can mar the image of Christ that we are called to reflect through our life together. In this course we are invited to think about six things that can impair relationships: prejudice, silence, ignorance, fear, hypocrisy and power. These can hinder our personal growth as Christians, hurt other people, and create barriers that stop our churches from growing into Christian communities of welcome and belonging. They are opposite of the fruit of the spirit.Our safeguarding audit last year highlighted the need for us to intentionally focus upon building up our culture in this way, and as such it is a focused invitation to all those who hold roles in the church to take part, as we in turn model the principles of the church community, and hopefully express its values in all that we do.However, the course is open to the whole church community, and a warm welcome awaits all participants.The course continues on the evenings of Tuesday 16th June, Tuesday 23rd June and then Tuesday 7th July. The training takes place at St Margaret’s Church Topsham. Refreshments are served from 17:45, with the course starting at 18:00.Please let our safeguarding lead Katie Gray know if you will be attending so that resources can be prepared in advance for you. safeguardingtopshamwear@gmail.comServices and calendar for the week Sunday 14th June 10am…Holy Communion…St Margaret’s 10am…Holy Communion…St Luke’s 3pm…Forest Church…St Luke’s 6.30pm…Evensong…St Margaret’s Monday 15th June 7pm…Compline…Zoom Tuesday 16th June 5.45pm…Pastoral Principles Course…St Margaret’s Wednesday 17th June 10am…Morning Worship…Zoom 1.15pm…Lunchtime Concert…St Margaret’s 2.30pm…Tea and Cake…St Margaret’s Thursday 18th June 11am…Holy Communion…Watermeadow Grange Friday 19th June 9.00am…Morning Prayer…St Margaret’s Saturday 20th June Sunday 21st June 10am…BCP Holy Communion…St Margaret’s 10am…Joint Holy Communion…St Luke’sThe Zoom links and meeting IDs for all the Zoom events are on our pages on ACNY (A Church Near You)BookingsSt. Margaret’s bookings are managed by Caryll Ingerslev.Contact: bookingstopsham@gmail.comPlease book in for any use of the church including church meetings and events.St. Luke’s Church and Church Rooms bookings are managed by Sandra Greedy:Contact: bookingswear@gmail.comSt. Luke’s churchwarden can be contacted on:churchwardenwear@gmail.com or phone 01392 271458St. Margaret’s Churchwarden can be contacted on:churchwardenstmargarets@gmail.comSt. Luke’s Church is open on Wednesday afternoons between 2.00 and 4.00 until Wednesday 30thSeptember.St. Margaret’s is open every day between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.The Dream Big ProjectPlease note that the new facilities will need us to take a few special precautions. 1. We do not want to scratch the new floor, so all the blue chairs are wearing special plastic socks. Only these chairs should be used in the social area or the back of the nave, please. The new toilet roll holders are “centre pull”. If you need paper, please pull firmly but gently – jerking makes the paper tear inconveniently close to the dispenser. The Musical Lunchbox – Wednesdays at 1.15Free lunchtime concerts!The next one is on Wednesday 17th June. Stephen tanner, organist and composer – “Colours of the Organ”Donations for St. Margaret’s and the Dream Big Project.A Message from our new Family Worker!I am excited to be the new Family Support Worker. For those whom I haven't met yet, I am a primary school teacher, and until recently, I ran the local community café, Nook, here in Topsham. I am passionate about community and supporting local children to thrive, and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone.Pippa WilliamsPippa has done a grand job sorting children’s resources and doesn’t need any further help for the moment.Mini-messy church will be re-starting at the end of June.Watch this space for details!The Flower Festival – Thursday July 16th – Saturday July 18thThe theme this year is “Dreams”.If you have taken part before you will soon hear from Valerie Holland.If you would like to do a display this year for the first time, please contact Valerie Holland:vholland@btinternet.comCoffee and CakeWednesday Coffee and Cake will return to the Social Area this week. We look forward to welcoming you between 2.30-3.30 - not just for coffee, tea and an array of cakes, but also for friendly chat and a warm welcome. There's no charge, and we'd love to see you, whether you're Christian, or of a different faith, or of none at all! 🎂 🥮Exmouth Food BankIf you are kind enough to be planning to donate to us, we would be grateful to receive the following priority items: Crisps/savoury snacksBottles of squash e.g orange squashJams/peanut butterTins of soupTinned meat meals such as stews, meatballs or curryTinned cold meats such as ham, chicken or corned beefTinned tunaTinned fruit, rice pudding or custardHair shampoo & conditioner Thank you for your Kindness ❤️We are also really short of clean, large 'bags for life'For further information email: info@exmouthfoodbank.org.uk 07787758511It's Not Just Policy, It’s Personal – Church of England Safeguarding Campaign'It's Not Just Policy, It's Personal' is a campaign to raise awareness of how to recognise and report safeguarding concerns. The campaign will run from 1st June - 14th June 2026.Two key recommendations from the Makin Report, published in 2024, focused on how the Church can have confidence that abuse, both current and non-recent, is being reported. The Church of England has given careful consideration to how this could best be achieved, and are running a two-week pilot campaign to raise awareness of how to report safeguarding concerns.Safeguarding guidance and codes of conduct are statutory and must always be followed, but this campaign reminds us that these are not simply processes to be followed. At the centre of every safeguarding concern is a person who has taken the difficult step of disclosing harm or risk. Creating a safe space for people to report, and how we respond to them, matters.Please read the message below from the Bishop responsible for Safeguarding and the posters attached.Statement from Bishop Robert, Lead Bishop for SafeguardingSafeguarding in the Church of England is not simply about compliance with guidance or completing the right forms. It is about people and for those of us who seek to follow Jesus, it is about how we live our faith. It’s Not Just Policy, It’s Personal is a timely reminder that at the heart of every safeguarding concern is a human being who has taken a brave and often costly step in speaking about harm.The Makin Report has rightly challenged us to be confident that abuse, whether current or non‑recent, is being recognised, reported and responded to well. That confidence is built not only through clear processes, but through the quality of our human response when someone discloses a concern. How we listen, how we explain what will happen next, and how carefully we handle what is shared can make a profound difference to whether people feel believed, respected and protected.The four Rs - Recognise, Respond, Record and Refer - are not tick‑boxes. They are a framework that helps us act justly and compassionately, ensuring that concerns are taken seriously and passed to those who can help keep people safe. Doing this well serves both the person at the centre of the disclosure and the wider community.I commend this campaign and its resources to dioceses, parishes and all church officers. I hope they will support us all to approach safeguarding disclosures with clarity, care and courage, so that our practice reflects not only our policies, but our Christian commitment to dignity, truth and protection for all.PrayersFor those who are ill or in need of our prayers:Jill and Adrian, Kirsten, Jan, Jeremy, Rob, Tom RichardsonMarlene Gardner, Pam Wormald, Mary, Peter, John Heal, Gail Miller, David ByrneHousebound or in nursing/care homes:Alfred Wonnacott, Georgina Lear, JohnPlease pray for Anne Plested supporting the work of Bethlehem Bible College, and Ben and Katy Ray in Tanzania, St. Luke’s CMS mission link.AnniversariesLena Ingham, Roy GreedyBeryl Mortimer, Peter Jones, Audrey Gosden, Julianne Abbott, Lilian Goodyer, Elizabeth LeMarchandRecently departedGospel Readings for the coming weekSunday 14th June Matthew 9: 25- 10: 8Monday 15th June Matthew 5: 38-42Tuesday 16th June Matthew 5: 43 - endWednesday 17th June Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18Thursday 18th June Matthew 6: 7-15Friday 19th June Matthew 6: 19-23Saturday 20th June Matthew 6: 24 -Sunday 21st June Matthew 10: 24-39Collect and reading for Sunday 14th JuneLord, you have taught us that all our doings without love are nothing worth: send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoever lives is counted dead before you. Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.Matthew 9.25-10.8But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us.And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.Positions vacantSt Margarets’ Topsham and St Luke’s Countess Wear are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory DBS check of the appropriate level for the role.We are currently wishing to appoint suitable people to the following volunteer roles in our parishes:Cleaner for Main Body of ChurchSt Margaret’s Church Topsham is looking for more volunteers to join our team who clean the main body of the church not the new social area.The role involves spending an hour every four weeks (or less frequently if we can recruit enough cleaners), working in a group of two. The work involved includes:Vacuuming the carpets in the entrance, in front of the altar, and in the little side chapelSweeping the aisles and the pewsDusting the woodwork (pews, choir stalls and any other woodwork)It should not take more than an hour each time and you can arrange a time to suit your team.Please do think about joining the team. Our group of volunteers is becoming smaller and some of the members have mobility issues and may not be able to continue for much longer.If you take pride in your work, have an eye for detail and want to be an essential part of our community to create a welcoming space for all then we would welcome your application.Email: recruitmenttopshamwear@gmail.com for an application form and full Role DescriptionSacristan for St Margaret’sWe are looking for a new Sacristan to join our team and to prepare for the service on the first Sunday of the month. The successful applicant will need to spend approximately twenty minutes on a Friday or Saturday to make the required preparations in the vestry, in readiness for the Sunday morning service. Then on Sunday you would be required to arrive at 09:30 to lay everything out on the altar and spend time after the service putting things away.Email: recruitmenttopshamwear@gmail.com for an application form and full Role DescriptionVolunteer in Forest church.We hold a monthly service that needs volunteer support to assist in delivering activities alongside established leaders. A requirement will be to arrive early to help with the set up and read the plans for the session. You would then be expected to help in the clearing up afterwards. You would be needed from 2.30 pm until 4.00pm every Second Sunday of each month. The activity takes place at St Luke’s Church.Essential requirement: experience of working with families.Email: recruitmenttopshamwear@gmail.com for an application form and full Role DescriptionVolunteer for St Luke’s IntercessionsSt Luke’s Church is looking for volunteers to lead the intercessions during the 10 o’clock Sunday Service. Volunteers take turns to lead the prayers once a month on a rota.The successful candidates will need to liaise with the incumbent and leadership team. They will need to give approximately one hour preparation time in the run up to each service. Prayer resources are encouraged to be used.Key skills: clarity and appropriate communication, confidentiality, awareness of current affairs and needs for prayer further afield as well as local, team player, humility and ability to convey pastoral care.Email: recruitmenttopshamwear@gmail.com for an application form and full Role DescriptionVolunteer Second Lead for the Parent and Toddler Groups at St Margaret’s ChurchSt Margaret’s Church is looking for a volunteer Second Lead to help run our friendly ‘Mini Messy’ Parent and Toddler Groups which will recommence weekly in May (with some flexibility during school holidays).St Margaret’s Church is seeking a warm, energetic, and compassionate individual to join our team as a Second Lead for our thriving Parent and Toddler groups. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys interacting with young children and fostering meaningful connections with parents and caregivers.The Second Lead will support the running of our sessions, working closely with our group leader to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all attendees. These groups play a key role in our church’s mission to provide community support, foster spiritual curiosity, and offer encouragement in a non-judgmental and respectful environment.Are you energetic, great with children, and love connecting with parents and caregivers? Join us in creating a welcoming space where everyone can feel part of a community, explore Christian values, and have meaningful conversations — no matter their beliefs.Must be happy to chat, play, and support!Email: recruitmenttopshamwear@gmail.com for an application form and full Role DescriptionThis email was sent from Mission Community of Topsham and Wear using iknowchurch. 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Dear all I haven't forwarded anything from Bethlehem recently but this request for prayer arrived a few days ago. A few weeks ago a group from the College spent a couple of weeks in Jordan running a summer camp for refugee children from the conflict in Syria. Munther Isaac is one of the best Christian advocates for the Palestinians at the moment. Anne and I heard him speak in Bristol last summer, and he caused some controversy a while back when Justin Welby didn't have time to see him during his visit to the region. Justin apologised later. Margaret and I are hoping to have lunch with Anne Plested the week after next. Will try to keep you in touch, but meanwhile thank you for your prayers. God bless David As we recruit students for the upcoming academic year, please join us in praying that the Lord opens doors for those wishing to study at Bethlehem Bible College. May He guide His children to the right fields where they can continue building His kingdom on earth. We are grateful for the success of our summer community training programs. Over two weeks, we welcomed 26 adolescents and 5 young leaders to our summer camp, along with more than 70 local and international students in our language courses. Please pray that these programs do more than fill their time; may they instill the love of Jesus Christ and highlight the significance of our Holy Land. We ask for your prayers for Rev. Munther Isaac, who has been traveling this summer to share about our College, its impact on the community, and the ongoing conflict in our Holy Land. May the Lord bless and protect him. Due to the water shortage caused by the occupation, please pray for families suffering from a lack of water for days and weeks. Congratulations to our recent high school (Tawjihi) graduates! We wish them blessings as they decide on their next steps!