Dearest friends,
The new pew sheet appears to have gone down broadly well. I hope that you have taken up my call to take them home and read the inside – there’s always something to say, something to do, and something to pray for. Please also note the prayer intentions for each day.
This Sunday marks our first 5th Sunday Joint Service. You’ll have noticed a particular drive from myself to find ways for us to work together. We are not a team or a benefice; we’re not even geographically joined – so why this partnership?
The simple reality is that you share a Priest in myself. We are also joined in our shared theology and as member churches of The Society of St. Wilfrid and Hilda (known more colloquially as The Society).
Unlike my predecessors I am fully focused on just St. Luke’s & St. John’s. This means you get more of my focus, time, and energy – but it could also lead to you getting 50% of me if we wish to remain separate.
By doing things together both parishes get more of my time and focus, and both parishes get to share the best bits of the other.
There are things both parishes do exceptionally well and I’d love to share that with everyone.
It also doesn’t hurt to find ways to reduce the administration and other non parochial work between both parishes, if we can do admin once and share it… that’s more time for me to be out visiting.
The idea is to create opportunities to share each others company, to share what we do best, it is not to create one bland parish – St. John’s is not St. Luke’s, and St. Luke’s is not St. John’s. Our strength is in our passion and in our differences and I want those to shine through and not be extinguished. If you spot something that is in danger of that – let me know – I’m never too proud to admit when I’ve got something wrong.
We have an exciting time ahead of us, we don’t get everything right – but the journey together will reveal much about our love for Jesus Christ and each other.
I’m excited to see what the Holy Spirit has in store for us over the coming years.
Fr. Matthew
Notices
Cream Teas & Table Top Sales
Thank you to all who helped with the Cream Teas and Table Top sales at St. Luke’s & St. John’s. A wonderful way to raise much needed funds.
Holy Habits
Make sure you sign up for this exciting course in November, details of which can be found on the website.
The Rev’d Dr. Chris Moore
On the 1st December we’ll be joined by the Rev’d Dr. Chris Moore for an afternoon lecture on the Gospel of Mark. Sign up now!
Christmas Planning
We had planned to meet last week, but events overtook us and we’re putting a new date in the diary, I’ll share it as soon as it has settled.New Website
If you’ve not spotted it yet take a look at our new website at www.slsj.co.uk – there’s still lots of work to do. Please share any ideas you have to make it better.
Newton Abbot Team Evening Prayer
Join us for the first joint Evening Prayer at Highweek Church – 5:30pm. I am preaching this week. It’s a beautiful way to end a Sunday. More details on our website.