A SPECIAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS FOR THE ELECTION OF A CHURCHWARDENNotice is hereby given of a special meeting of parishioners to be held on Monday 3rd November 2025 at 7.30pmin St Margaret’s Church to elect a churchwarden.The brief formal meeting will be followed by refreshments.
To obtain a copy of The Estuary Magazine please visit St Margaret's Church or The Topsham Bookshop.
MISSION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTERDouble issue! 28.12.25 and 4.1.26Hello All, We find ourselves in Christmastide, which historically refers to the 12 days of Christmas following Christmas Day. As well as feasting, and a very welcome extended break from work (in Tudor times women would place flowers onto their spinning wheels to symbolise the complete break from occupation), each day would be marked by a particular feast day or tradition, centred upon church and community. There are the obvious days remembering St Stephen, the first Christian martyr (the famous setting for the carol Good King Wenceslas), and also historically days such as 'the Lord of misrule', when a choir boy would be crowned as bishop and put in charge for the day, reversing the power structure of church. Wassailing also, popular again, has its roots in this period of intense celebration and observation.My hope is that however you are spending your 12 days, that there will be times of reflection and recuperation, as well as joy and celebration.Thank you to all who have made the churches places of warmth, welcome and meaningful worship over Advent and Christmastide, and indeed the full year previous. We are the Body of Christ, and it is together that we make church happen as a verb, as well as keep the churches as place so cherished and a blessing to our communities. Thank you.AppealIt is with great thanksgiving that we are approaching at St Margaret's the long anticipated building work which will see improved kitchen and social facilities, as well as a dedicated flower arranger area and toilets for those using the church. This is scheduled to take place between 12 January until the end of April. Helen, our warden, will keep everyone updated using this newsletter and through articles.We have collectively achieved so much to get to this point, including the raising of huge amounts of money to go forward, through fundraising and grants. However, we are in a shortfall still - we have £53000 left to raise. Some of this may come through one more grant application, but we are operating on the assumption that it will have to come through church and community. If you are able to give anything, please do so. I know that we are all feeling the pinch after the Christmas spend, but if everyone was able to give, then we would be encouraged as well as on our way. Please donate in church at the card reader or go onto A Church Near You and donate there. Thank you sincerely.Also thank you so much to those who have steered and put in an abundance of energy, time, skill to this project; notably Paul Jakeman, Geoff Bateman and Ian Rogers. You have gone the extra mile, again and again, and I, and the whole church, are so grateful to you. Gratitude also to Helen, our warden, for organising the preparation of the church ready for the builders.LouiseLouise’s email address: vicartopshamwear@gmail.comSafeguardingFor any safeguarding concerns, please contact :Katie Gray: safeguardingtopshamwear@gmail.comFor issues with rough sleepers:Elizabeth Reed: homelessoutreachtopshamwear@gmail.comPlease send all contributions for the newsletter to Gill Yates by Thursday evening.gyates@uwclub.netServices and calendar for the next 2 weeks Saturday 27th December12 noon…Wedding…St Margaret’sSunday 28th December10am… Christingle…St Margaret’s10am…Christingle…St Luke’s3pm…Carol and Cake…St Margaret’sMonday 29th December10am…Stay and Play…St Margaret’s7pm…Compline…ZoomTuesday 30th December 9am…Morning Prayer…St Luke’sWednesday 31st December10am…Morning Prayer…Zoom2.30pm…Tea and Cake…St Margaret’sThursday 1st January10am…Stay and Play…St Margaret’sFriday 2nd January9am…Morning Prayer…St Margaret’sSaturday 3rd January8am…Prayer Breakfast…St Margaret’sSunday 4th January10am… Holy Communion…St Margaret’s10am…Holy Communion…St Luke’s12pm…Baptism…St Margaret’sMonday 5th January10am…Stay and Play…St Margaret’s7pm…Compline…ZoomTuesday 6th January 9am…Morning Prayer…St Luke’sWednesday 7th January10am…Morning Prayer…Zoom2.30pm…Tea and Cake…St Margaret’sThursday 8th January2.30pm…Funeral (Carol Walker)…St Margaret’sFriday 9th January9am…Morning Prayer…St Margaret’sSunday 11th January10am…Holy Communion…St Margaret’s10am…Holy Communion…St Luke’s3pm…Forest Church 6.30pm…Evensong…St Margaret’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 churchwardens can be contacted on:churchwardenwear@gmail.com or phone 01392 271458Message from JackieAfter much prayer and reflection, I have decided to step down from my role as Church Warden at St Luke’s. This has not been an easy decision, but I believe it is the right one for this season.It has been a privilege to serve, and I am deeply grateful for the support and kindness I have received. I especially want to thank those who have encouraged and walked alongside me in this ministry.We will be worshipping on occasion within the benefice at St. Margaret’s.God BlessJackie CrozierSt. Luke’s church will re-open on Wednesday afternoons in the New Year.St. Margaret’s is open every day between 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m.News and NoticesOffertory at St. Margaret’sWe are happy to return to the presentation and blessing of gifts during the Offertory hymn. Please place your collection in the bowls provided as you come in, and thank you for your kind support.Fund raisingOne of our local Topsham Explorer Scouts , Holly Hull has been selected as part of a group of 36 other scouts from Devon to attend the World Scout Jamboree in Gdańsk Poland in 2027. The World Scout Jamboree is a large international gathering of Scouts and Guides age 14-17 that occurs every four years in a different country. At the World Scout Jamboree, young people connect with other scouts from different countries, learn about different cultures and backgrounds and participate in a program of activities focusing on global development, peace, adventure, and friendship. One of the elements of the Scout Method is to share in spiritual reflection and Holly has regularly visited St. Margaret's Church with the Scouts since she was six years old and a member of 1st Topsham Sea Scouts. Holly has also previously volunteered to assist with preparing learning materials for "Messy Church" and helping to tidy and sort the equipment for this weekly community church event. In order to attend the World Scout Jamboree, the participants must raise the money themselves. This covers the cost of the training camps held over the next two years and all travel expenses. It is important to note that much of the money raised by young people from the U.K, also helps to subsidise the attendance of the young people from less wealthy nations. Holly will be holding her second bake sale to raise funds towards this exciting adventure in St. Margaret's Church kitchen area after Children's Church on Sunday, 28th December. Please note that this cake sale is not being organised by St. Margaret's and is a Devon Scouts fundraising event.For further information on Holly’s other WSJ fundraising activities please visithttps://gofund.me/208ef2150 "Week of Prayer for Christian UnityThe dates for 2026: 19th - 23rd January11.00 a.m. Monday to Friday – prayer at Holy Cross ChurchOne Body and One SpiritThe Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January is an annual opportunity for the churches in Topsham to come together for a time of both celebration and prayer, using worship and study tools that are being shared across the Christian world. The theme this year is based on Ephesians 4:4, 'There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling', using material prepared by the Armenian Apostolic Church along with the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches. These resources draw upon centuries-old traditions of prayer used by the Armenian people, along with hymns that originated in the ancient monasteries and churches of Armenia, some of which date as far back as the fourth century.Paul’s epistles stress the importance of unity within the Church, urging us to live lives worthy of our calling with humility, gentleness, patience and love (Ephesians 4:1-3). Ephesians 4:4 summarises the teachings of Paul about unity, emphasising here, too, that the followers of Christ represent ‘one body and one Spirit’, united in a single hope. This metaphor signifies the Church as a unified entity transcending barriers of geography, nationality, ethnicity and tradition. Paul uses the metaphor of the Church being the Body of Christ to describe its unity within the diversity of its members.In Topsham, the Week's activities will comprise opportunities for shared daily prayer and reflection and an ecumenical service, all using the material produced by the ecumenical team in Armenia. The short prayer meetings will take place over the five weekdays at 11 am, 19 to 23 January in the lounge at Holy Cross Catholic Church*, with each session led by a member of St Margaret's, St Nicholas Methodist or Holy Cross churches. The Week will culminate in an ecumenical service, to be led by the Revd Wayne Grewcock at St Nicholas on Sunday 25 January at 3 pm (followed by refreshments). Everyone is most welcome to attend some or all of these occasions.Coffee and CakeEvery Wednesday at St Margaret's Church everyone is welcome to look in 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! ♥️ 🧁Project NewsGive to Go GreenWe were a bit disappointed that the installation of heaters in the north transept was not completed before Christmas, but hope it will be done by New Year. Apologies to the choir who coped uncomplainingly with the disruption when preparing for Christmas services.Dream BigA contractor has been selected and is planning to start work in the week beginning 12th January. There will be a planning meeting before that so we establish good communications between the builders and the church. There should be no disruption to services, and the south west door will usually be available to enter by on Sundays – otherwise use the other doors. There will be a lot of things that need to be stored away from the work sites, so the nave may not be as tidy as usual. We anticipate that only the centre blocks of pews will be available for seating. Please route any questions or problems to Helen or Paul, please, not direct to any of those working on site.Exmouth Food BankEach winter the Food Bank sees a 20% rise in people seeking support with food. On average we expect to distribute 90 parcels a week in December. The majority of parcels will be for families with four or more members. This year the 10% increase in the energy price cap, plus the withdrawal of the winter fuel allowance for pensioners, will place a further demand on our services.I f you are thinking of donating to the Food Bank this Christmas we would really appreciate core food items that are needed for our year round parcels as this will help us meet the surge in demand over the festive period and into 2025. We would welcome tins of: soup, tomatoes, baked beans, spaghetti, tuna, stews, meatballs, cold meats, fruits, custard and rice pudding. We would also welcome packets of spaghetti and rice…. as well as a few festive goodies!Thank you ❤️ For further information email: info@exmouthfoodbank.org.uk 07787758511Please find the winter newsletter attached.PrayersFor those who are ill or in need of our prayers:Jill and Adrian, Kirsten, Jan, Jeremy, Marlene Gardner, Pam Wormald, Mary, Peter, John Heal, Rosemary Henry, Gail MillerHousebound or in nursing/care homes:Alfred Wonnacott, Janet Mutter, Georgina LearPlease pray for Anne Plested supporting the work of Bethlehem Bible College, and Ben and Katy Ray in Tanzania, St. Luke’s CMS mission link.Anne Plested visited us at the end of September. Please pray for Gaza in the light of the latest news: she said for Christians there it is now a matter of just survival. Also for a new course at Bethlehem Bible College this autumn in trauma counselling, with 23 students signed up.AnniversariesPat Dee Shapland, Amy Poultney, Ethel Tresise, Margaret Tate, Thomas Dennis, David Terry, Eileen HoyteMiranda Leger, Arthur Boyce, Basil Tasman, Kenneth Buckingham, Mary Browne, Percival Towell, Clifford Miller, Jennie Bradshaw, Constance Warmington,, Jessie Wiggins, Dorothy Moorby, Colin Shortis, William Courtier, David Wilson, Allen Coles, Peggy PearceRecently departedCarol WalkerGospel Readings for the coming weekSunday 28th December Matthew 2: 13-18Monday 29th December Luke 2: 22-35Tuesday 30th December Luke 2: 36-40Wednesday 31st December John 1: 1-18Thursday 1st January Luke 2: 15-21Friday 2nd January John 1: 19-28Saturday 3rd January John 1: 29-34Sunday 4th January John 1: (1-9), 10-18Monday 5th January John 1: 43 - endTuesday 6th January Matthew 2: 1-12Wednesday 7th January Matthew 4: 12-17, 23 - endThursday 8th January Mark 6: 34-44Friday 9th January Mark 6: 45-52Saturday 10th January Luke 4: 14-22Sunday 11th January Matthew 3: 13-endCollect and reading for Sunday 28th DecemberHeavenly Father, whose children suffered at the hands of Herod, though they had done no wrong: by the suffering of your Son and by the innocence of our lives frustrate all evil designs and establish your reign of justice and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.Matthew 2.13-18And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.Collect and reading for Sunday 4th JanuaryAlmighty God, in the birth of your Son you have poured on us the new light of your incarnate Word, and shown us the fullness of your love: help us to walk in his light and dwell in his love that we may know the fullness of his joyl who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.John 1.10-18He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.He came unto his own, and his own received him not.But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.This email was sent from Mission Community of Topsham and Wear using iknowchurch. 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