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Bishop of Exeter’s Easter Message of Hope in a Good Friday World
Easter is for me the most important Christian festival and I’m really looking forward to my first Easter in Devon. I’ve been invited by Exeter Cathedral to preach on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and on Easter day. I’ll also be taking baptisms and confirmations in Barnstaple on Saturday evening, so it’s going to be a packed weekend. A lot of Easter traditions can feel like escapism – Easter bunnies and decorated eggs and floral Easter…
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Donkey to Help bring Bible Story to Life at Palm Sunday Service
One special animal will play an important role this Palm Sunday at an interactive church service in Devon. Issachar the donkey will lead a procession through the town of Bradninch to St Disen’s Church, and he will be followed by the church congregation and local community. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem just before his death. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, whilst the crowds waved…
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Devon vicar advocates for survivors of gender-based violence at UN
Rev’d Lizzi Green, Team Vicar of Plympton St Mary, has just spent 10 days volunteering as a chaplain at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York. The CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s and girls’ rights, documenting the reality of their lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Lizzi has previously spoken publicly about her own experience of…
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Bishop’s new book takes an honest look at leadership failures
The Bishop of Plymouth and his wife have published a new book together about leadership and failure. Normal Imperfect Heroes explores leadership through the lens of different biblical characters including Abraham, David, Moses, some of the disciples and Mary the mother of Jesus. The Rt. Rev’d James Grier started writing the book while he was on sabbatical several years ago. The book is published by SPCK and the book launch took place in Exeter Cathedral’s Cloister…
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Tails of Faith: how animals in ministry can help to draw us into God’s presence
Churches across Devon have been exploring how they can use animals in ministry to have an intergenerational effect on children and families, and the positive effect that it can have on wellbeing. Sharon Blyth, Diocesan Children and Families Mission Enabler, is passionate about involving animals in ministry. She believes that involving them in a variety of ways can not only improve wellbeing, but it can also be missional, build relationships, and deepen faith. As part…
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Church’s STAR appeal shines brightly on creating a community space for generations to come
A church in North Devon has launched their fundraising appeal with a Gala that celebrates friendship and community. St John the Baptist Church in Newport, Barnstaple, recently held an evening of music, refreshments, and sharing of stories to officially launch their new STAR appeal. The Start the Appeal for Restoration (STAR) was officially launched with the aim to raise £250K to repair and restore the integrity of the church building. The church building was completed in…
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