CAPTION: Devon Churches offered a Christian presence at the Devon County Show
Devon Churches ‘demonstrate the love of Jesus’ at County Show
Devon Churches area at the Devon County Show
Christians from different denominations welcomed visitors to the Devon Churches area at The Devon County Show at Westpoint this year.
The churches area was bustling with live performances, children’s activities and even an inflatable bungee run.
Rev’d Preb. James Grier, the Diocese of Exeter Mission Enabler, who was one of the organisers, said:
The bungee run was particularly popular with school trips
“Despite somewhat dubious weather, we had a fantastic 3 days at the Devon County Show.”
“It was so good to be able to provide drinks and cakes again following the limitations of last year.”
“The new addition of a bungee run was a hit with the young people and the Children’s Area as popular as ever.”
Bishops Robert, Jackie and Nick also attended the County Show, visiting the Devon Churches area and wandering through the showground visiting stalls.
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Robert Atwell
Bishop Robert, the Chair of the Rural Affairs Group for the Church of England spent time speaking with the National Farmers’ Union and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution about the needs and concerns of local farming communities. He was invited to bless the Best in Show livestock at the winner’s parade.
The Devon Church Weddings team were at the County Show for the first time this year, offering guidance and answering questions about church weddings, and encouraging couples to consider getting married in a church.
The children’s tent was filled with activities for kids and a offered a well deserved rest for parents
There were also stalls for Devon Pilgrim, YMCA Exeter and the Salvation Army as well as the children’s tent run by the Diocese of Exeter’s children’s mission advisor Clare Cooke and a team of volunteers.
After being introduced last year, volunteer Chaplains were out and about at the County Show walking around the showground, chatting to people they met and offering to pray with them.
Rev’d James Grier said:
The Show Chaplains offered a listening ear, encouragement and where appropriate prayer.
“The Show Chaplains, in particular, had many significant conversations offering a listening ear, support and the occasional prayer.”
“Most importantly we were able to demonstrate the love of Jesus through our hospitality and service.”
“Thank you so much to all those who worked so hard whether at the show or baking beforehand.”
