Dearest friends,
Autumn is now well and truly with us. The excitement of the new term has died down, and the reality of the coming darkness of winter is slowly edging into our awareness.
There’s been a lot of change in the past five months (October marks my sixth month with you) and I wanted to assure you that there should be no more changes in the near future.
After two very good PCC meetings this week it’s clear that we now need some time to bed-in new things, to reflect on them, and to live with them a little while.
We will spend Advent and Christmas praying together and growing deeper in each others love as we gaze in awe at the coming of the baby Jesus.
We have an exciting line up of Christmas services and events, most of which you’ll recognise from previous years, with one new addition – a live nativity!
Both St. Luke’s and St. John’s are going to pool our resources and deliver an evening of carols, scripture, adventure, and love for the people of Newton Abbot, Bovey, Heathfield and beyond!
We will take over the grounds at the front of St. Luke’s and build an interactive nativity story – complete with an inn, a grumpy inn keeper (any volunteers?) and a stable (along with live animals).
As we walk through the story our main characters will narrate their part and we’ll sing carols together. Then we’ll head inside the church for mince pies, mulled wine, squash, jacket potatoes, soup and who knows… maybe even a little sherry.
We think this will give us something to really shout about across both parishes and beyond and will really appeal to families with young children. A great family event with lots of fun and teaching the real reason for Christmas.
We’ll start to plan this, and will be looking for volunteers, after the October half term – so be prepared!
A good way to get ready for Advent would be to take part in the Holy Habits course which starts on the 7th November and runs for 4 weeks. It focus on habits we already have (crossing ourselves) and on new ones (gratitude) that help us deepen our relationship with God. Sign up on the website or let me know you’re coming in person.
Fr. Matthew
Notices
Diesel Doug – 5th Oct. 7pm
Doug Tompkins will be giving a wonderful talk at St. Luke’s on the preserved British steam locomotives still roving around our railways – plus a bonus look as London Buses. There’ll be a slide show and a chance for questions.
Wedding Anniversary
Keith and Margaret would like to thank everyone at St. Luke’s for the beautiful card to celebrate their 55th Wedding Anniversary.
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. A time travellers guide to Mark will really open up the gospel in a new light. Refreshments will be served. 3pm, St. Luke’s.
New Website
If you’ve not spotted it yet take a look at our new website at www.slsj.co.uk
This Sunday
Sunday 6th October
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
9:15am – Sung Parish Mass, St. John’s
11am – Sung Parish Mass, St. Luke’s
Divine Office Psalter Week 3, Trinity 19, Proper 22
Readings for 6th October, 2024
Upcoming Dates
October
5th – Night with Diesel Doug [SL] 7pm
19th – Table Top Sale [SJ] 10am-12pm
19th – Bay Brass Concert [SL] 7:30pm
20th – St. Luke’s Patronal Festival & Parish Lunch
November
7th, 14th, 21st, 28th – Holy Habits [SL] 7pm
10th – Remembrance Service [SL & SJ] 10:45am
Parish Lunch [SL]
16th – Table Top Sale [SJ] 10am-12pm
20th – Social Committee Meeting [SL] 6:30pm
30th – Advent Carols [SJ] 6pm
December
1st – A Time Travellers Guide to Mark [SL] 3pm
7th – Christmas Fayre [SL]
8th – Mayor’s Civic Service [SL] 3pm
11th – Over 60s Christmas Concert [SJ] 2pm
15th – December Parish Lunch [SL]
19th – Cantemos Carol Concert [SJ] 7pm
22nd – Christmas Carols [SL] 4m
Nine Lessons and Carols [SJ] 7pm
24th – Live Nativity [SL] 4pm
1st Mass of Christmas [SJ] 8pm
Midnight Mass [SL] 11:30pm
25th – Christmas Day Mass [SL & SJ] 10am
29th – Joint Mass at St. John’s 10am with dedication of Holy
Family Chapel
Christingle Services at both churches TBC