Dear Friends,In the aftermath of last week's storm I had a number of conversations about how its impact gave us an uncomfortable insight into the challenges felt by those in less priviledged parts of the world suffering from the ravages of natural disaster and war. A week later we are seeing pictures and hearing testimony from those across our own continent where escalated agression from Russian in Ukraine is causing devastation. Our Archbishops invite us to carry our empathy into dedicated times of prayer for peace: through the day this Sunday, at 6pm on Tuesday in solidarity with the Anglican chaplaincy in Kyiv, and on Wednesday in response to Pope Francis' call to dedicate this Ash Wednesday as a day of prayer and fasting for peace. I have attached the Archbishop's pastoral letter for those who would like to read it.This is the week in which Lent begins. There will be a service of Holy Communion with the Imposition of Ashes at 10.30 at Lynton on Wednesday 2nd. The Mission Community Lent Group begins at the Rectory at 5pm Monday 7th March.This week we are also hosting the postponed Deanery Synod AGM: Thursday 3rd March 7pm St Mary's Lynton. Currently we have very few elected representatives on the Deanery Synod and that is something it would be good to change so that we have full participation in the most local consultative body of the Church of England at a time when the Church is needing to reflect on the impact of the last two years. Coming as an observer to the meeting would give anyone interested in this role a taste of its function, and the Rural Dean's aspirations for it to be of support to our Mission Communities across the area. The Archdeacon's visit to the Deanery has also been postponed to the summer meeting.Because of considerations of privacy, it is rare for me to use this letter to pass on news personal to church members, but I have been asked by the family of Jenny Robinson, as was her wish, to announce that she has died. Jenny and Tim were supporters of a number of our churches across the Mission Community and area and she was keen that those with whom she had prayed and worshipped knew of her death, so we would be grateful for this to be shared with as many who knew her as possible. We commend Jenny to God, and pray for Tim and their children as they mourn. Thank you to all who have been dealing with incoming calls and emails during my few days break. If you have emailed in this time it may take me a little while to respond, so if a response is urgent it may be a good idea to email me or call me now I am back.God blessSamantha
Dear Friends,My goodness! What a twenty four hours we have just come through. I hope that everyone has been safe and well throughout, and that the loss of power has not caused too much distress. If anyone is dealing with damage to property, I hope it can be swiftly resolved. Our gospel this week couldn’t be more timely: Jesus stilling the storm. I pray that we will each know God’s presence bringing us the calming that we might need after a tough day. In the story the disciples experience Jesus in different ways – asleep, powerfully commanding the elements, and then drawing them into conversation and reflection. For our Lent reflections this year, I would like to offer a space to look at how we experience Christ: A Christ-Centred Lent. For those who are able to gather to share this together I an inviting you to meet with me for an hour beginning at 5pm on most Mondays in Lent (7th March – 11th April omitting March 14th) at the Rectory in Lynton; for those who cannot make that time I will send out reflections to be used in your own way. We will be looking at: meeting Christ in scripture, Communion and each other, and then reflecting on Christ at the centre of the diocesan priorities: growing in prayer, making new disciples and serving with joy. A reminder that Lent begins on 2nd March – there will be a service of Holy Communion with the imposition of ashes for those who wish it at 10.30am at St Mary’s Lynton.Please note that we have adjusted the time for the monthly Holy Communion Service at Lynmouth – it will now begin at 9.15am.God blessSamanthaFairtrade fortnight begins this weekSunday 20th February:9.00 Parracombe Family Worship self-led service9.15 Lynmouth Holy Communion11am Lynton Holy CommunionI have just read the North Devon Council guidance for the weekend - suggesting we still need to take care when out and about - please don't take risks to come to church
Dear All,Good morning and apologies for emails two days running - but in view of the adverse weather forecast there have been a number of apologies for the meeting I advertised yesterday and the Rural Dean and Lay Chair have taken the decision it is wiser to postpone the meeting.Thank you to all who replied yesterday with interest - this is an opportunity for me to ask people to consider becoming the Deanery Rep for your church - there is a chance to test out what it is all about at the rearranged meeting here on 3rd March, or to put in your diaries the advance date of 16th June when the Archdeacon will now be speaking (the meeting will be at Bratton Fleming) - see message below.THE MEETING TOMORROW, THURSDAY 17TH FEBRUARY HAS BEEN CANCELLED.This is due to the bad weather and high winds that we are having at the moment.The meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday 3rd March at St. Mary Lynton. Details for this meeting will follow.Please can you contact everyone that you know that might have been attending the meeting tomorrow evening and tell them that the meeting has been cancelled.Not everyone looks at their emails each day and for some we do not have an email address or a current contact details.Archdeacon Verena will now be coming to a Deanery Synod meeting on the 16th JuneApologies for the short notice. MaureenLay chair
Dear Friends,I am forwarding to everyone this invitation from the Rural Dean and Lay Chair of the Deanery Synod (apologies to those of you who receive these emails in distant places!). I also appreciate that it is quite last minute, but as we have been able to find very few Deanery reps across the Mission Comminity I would encourage anyone who is interested and able to hear the Archdeacon speak to us, and to have an opportunity to meet her to consider coming - I've managed to bring the Deanery Synod as close to us all as possible - at St Mary's!all bestSamantha Our deanery synod AGM is on Thursday 17th February (this Thursday) and will start at 7pm. It is to be held at St. Mary's Church in Lynton. Parking is available in the nearby public car park. We will be welcoming Archdeacon Verena to speak to us, and this will be followed by small group discussion. All members of our congregations are welcome to attend, and we would encourage every church to find someone to represent them if it is possible. While anyone can attend, only elected representatives will be able to vote for the items which are part of our AGM meeting. We will take care to maintain social distancing, and encourage masks to be worn for anyone who can. Papers for the AGM will be sent to deanery synod reps very soon, watch this space. Many thanks, Rosie RosieRevd Preb Rosie AustinTeam Rector, Shirwell Mission Community