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Bishop of Exeter Christmas Message 2022
Churches and other organisations across Devon are showing God’s love in action this Christmas by offering a helping hand to those of us for whom the cost-of-living crisis is all too real. I recently visited St Disen’s church, in Bradninch, near Cullompton. Every Wednesday it is offering a warm welcome space in its community hall between 9am and 3pm. The volunteer team serves home-made soup, hot drinks and cake. There is free Wi-Fi, magazines and…
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Christmas Confirmations for Students from Devon Primary School
Five pupils from St David’s Primary School in Exeter were confirmed in a service led by the Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev’d Jackie Searle, on the 18 December. The pupils have been connected to the church through the outreach work of St David’s Church Exeter and St Michael’s Mount Dinham. Both churches have been working closely with St David’s Primary School to connect families in the local community with church. They have created a…
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Two Devon Church of England Schools to Receive Government Rebuilding Funding
Two Church of England Primary Schools in Devon have successfully applied to be included in the Government’s school rebuilding programme. Tipton St John Church of England (VA) Primary School , near Sidmouth, has a site which is currently at risk of serious flooding, which the rebuilding programme will address. Swimbridge Church of England (VA) Primary School, near Barnstaple, is also experiencing challenges regarding its premises and has already secured a new site in the village…
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Bishop Jackie Reflects on Christmas Message of Ukrainian Bell Carol
The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev’d Jackie Searle, reflects on the joy of Christmas carols and the poignancy of the Ukrainian Carol of the Bells this year, as the war in Ukraine continues: Churches across Devon have been holding their first carol services without any Covid measures for three years. It has been a time of celebration, of gathering together by candlelight in our communities to hear the familiar words of the Christmas story…
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Devon Vicar Leads Dog-Friendly Christmas Carol Service
A dog-friendly carol service, aimed at making dog-owners feel welcome with their pets, has taken place outdoors in Newton Abbot town centre. The service was organised by the town council, local Anglican churches and the charity Animals in Distress, which received all proceeds from the event. The service was led by Rev’d Gareth Regan, Team Vicar in the Newton Abbot Mission Community, who wasn’t the only one in a dog collar! Over 60 people attended,…
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Hot Water Bottles and Hot Food as Devon’s Churches Offer a Winter Warm Welcome
St Mary’s Church in Lifton, near Tavistock, is just one of the churches across Devon which is trying to help people through the cost of living crisis this winter. The profits from their annual Christmas fayre are going into a new community assistance fund, which will be used to give emergency financial help to those living in the parish who are in need. Help will be given in the form of vouchers for the local…
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