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Community School celebrates joining the Diocese of Exeter’s family of Church of England Schools
The start of a new year marks a new chapter for a community school in Devon, as it joins the Diocese of Exeter’s family of Church of England schools. Lapford Community School, situated in Mid Devon, has been designated as a Church of England school. This special milestone symbolises a renewed commitment to their Christian foundation, their partnership with local churches, and their dedication to serving Lapford families for generations to come. Education is a…
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Plymouth Church Performs Powerful Refugee Retelling of Story of Three Kings
The Ephipany themes of journey, welcome, generosity, what it means to be a refugee and the Good News of Jesus being for the whole world have been powerfully brought to life in a new play written and performed by members of St Mary and All Saints Church in Plymstock. The play was written by Sara Jennet, a retired drama teacher who attends the church. It was inspired by the Journey of the Magi by T.S….
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Melanesian Mission UK Executive Director Awarded British Empire Medal in New Year Honours
The Executive Director of the Melanesian Mission UK, Katherine (Katie) Drew, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2026 New Year Honours List for services to UK/Solomon Islands relations. The Melanesian Mission is an Anglican mission agency that provides support to the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) through prayer, people and giving. ACoM covers the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Vanuatu and works through parishes, church schools, the Mothers’ Union and the…
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Bishop Encourages Us to Shine As Lights in the Darkness in 2026
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, shares a New Year message for 2026 Looking back at 2025, one moment that stands out for me is entering the Cathedral with the French and Italian women’s national rugby teams in August as Devon welcomed the Rugby World Cup into the County and celebrated its arrival. The applause on entry was rapturous and long-lasting – and a fine example of the outstanding hospitality this…
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Bishop of Exeter’s Christmas Message Sparks Joy
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison shares this Christmas message after asking shoppers in Exeter what brings them joy at Christmas time. “What brings you joy at Christmas?” was the question I asked for our vox pops Christmas video filmed out and about among the Christmas shoppers on the streets of Exeter recently. Answers focused on family and friends, giving and receiving, time in nature and human community. And for me,…
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Devon Vicar Reflects on Recent Visit to Bethlehem and West Bank
Rev’d Prebendary Rosie Austin is Team Rector of the Shirwell Mission Community, Rural Church Officer for the Diocese of Exeter and a member of the Church of England General Synod. She recently travelled to Israel, the West Bank and East Jerusalem with fellow General Synod members. Here are her personal reflections on the trip and a call to action for all of us. I am an ordinary Church of England vicar, with eight rural churches…
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