Dear Friends,

Last week I mentioned listening to Bishop Robert’s Lent Reflections, and again this week I have found his exploration of the Exodus journey really inspiring and such a helpful way to reflect on what we have been living through over the last year in the light of the wisdom of the greater human journey to God of which we are a part. The talks are now available as podcasts: https://anchor.fm/cofedevon and I really recommend them if you would like something to enhance your Lenten prayer and reflection.

In our practical journey towards the end of lockdown, of course, this week sees the opening of schools to all children. I think it is worth remembering that our schools have been open to some children throughout the lockdown, and teachers have done an amazing job of adapting to on-line teaching and providing support to children and parents at home. The home-schooling challenge has also demanded much of children and those trying to help them at home. Let’s mark this full return with the gift of our prayers each day this week for all the staff in our local schools, for governors and all involved in school life; and also for the children and families we know – for their resilience and well-being.

I have been talking with several of our church wardens (a couple of calls still to come) and have attended a meeting with the Archdeacons about our church journeys back to gathering. I will give fuller details as we finalise them, but the hope is that more churches will be open once a week for private prayer from Easter onwards, and that Holy week and Easter observance can be kept at Lynton and possibly in one or two other churches too. Please keep our Church wardens and PCC members in your prayers, they too are playing an important role in the maintenance of church life, as we are all living out our faith in a more dispersed way at the moment.

God bless

Samantha