SWYM

The Joy of Singing Christmas Carols

The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt. Rev’d Moira Astin, is preparing to spend her first Christmas in Devon. On Christmas Eve she will be preaching at the Midnight Communion Service at Crediton Parish Church. Here she shares why singing Christmas Carols is such a joy to her: What makes Christmas a special time for you? For some of us, I realise that is a difficult question when Christmas might be a time of painful memories…

Ancient Service Forges New Links Between Exeter Cathedral and Devon’s Churches

An ancient church tradition was brought to life on Sunday when five parish priests from across Devon were installed as prebendaries at Exeter Cathedral. Prebendaries are priests who are given the honorary title by the Bishop of Exeter in recognition of their mission and ministry and service to their communities. The name comes from the Latin praebenda, which roughly means ‘to be given a grant’ and historically refers to a priest who is paid from…

Tackling Gender-Based Violence Through the Power of Song

The Rev’d Lizzi Green, Team Vicar of Plympton, has written a new hymn to the tune of Love Divine All Loves Excelling, which has been chosen by the Mother’s Union to feature in its national 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign, as well as a special Anglican Communion service. Lizzi is a survivor of abuse herself and is a Chaplain to the UN Commission on the Status of Women as well as…

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence remains a global challenge, affecting individuals, families, and communities. Each year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign provides an opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for change. Running from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, International Human Rights Day, the campaign calls for collective action to end violence in all its forms. During these 16 days, Mothers’ Union joins organisations worldwide…

School Transforms Chapel into Welcoming Space for the Local Community

A chapel has been rededicated as a welcoming space for families and the local community at a school in Devon. Natasha Brooks, Head of School at St Budeaux Church of England Primary Academy, said that the vision for a community space came about when she joined the school three years ago. She said, “It has been one of my long-term ambitions to utilise this space as an area to support our families and local community…