Dearest friends,
I write this from the clergy conference in Walsingham with the Bishop of Oswestry and my brother deacons and Priests.
It has been a week of ‘hope’. It’s been encouraging to see so many parishes that are flourishing and growing, and speak to so many Priests who see so much to be thankful about.
I am thankful for you. I am thankful for the energy and enthusiasm, for the love you show me and my family, and for the positive ways in which you show the gospel to the world and call others to join us.
Bishop Paul described a church as a scrum. Being Welsh, he of course uses rugby examples… and this one really works!
The front row of the scrum has to pull together. If they don’t, the front collapses, and they have to try again. If it collapses too many times the other side gets a free kick.
If the second row doesn’t hold the front row up then it can’t advance, it can’t get the ball and play the game. If the players at the back and down the line are not ready to receive the ball then we are lost.
At St. John’s and St. Luke’s we are a scrum. I am the hooker in the middle and St. John’s and St. Luke’s stand on either side of me. One can’t pull me to one side and say I’m theirs without the whole scrum collapsing.
But, if we stand together, if we push in the same direction and pull each other closer – then we’re ready for those behind us to push and we can advance!
Bishop Paul is often quoted for his battle cry of ‘Advance Oswestria!’. We must advance. We must move forward with our ball – the Gospel – we must eject it from the scrum and get it out to the wings so it can be carried forward and over the try line. Then, we can convert the try… see where I’m going?
By advancing together, in unity and purpose, we convert the souls of those most in need of the saving love of Jesus Christ.
Let’s pull together. Let’s put aside petty grumbling and gossip, let’s decide here and now not to pull each other down – but to present a strong front row, ready to defeat the enemy.
In love,
Fr. Matthew
Notices
Joint Mass next week
Advent 1 is a joint mass (as it’s the 5th Sunday) at St. John’s at 11:15am.
Christingle and Crib Service
I am in need of volunteers for the Christingle and Cribe Service at St. Luke’s on the 21st December – not least to buy the oranges and help put them together! A poster will be available next week and we’ll be going into Haytor and the nursury to advertise it, but before I do, I need help!
Christmas Lights Turn On in Newton Abbot & Bovey Tracey
Please take posters and leaflets to the Christian Together stands at both events and help hand them out!
Sunday 23rd November
Christ The King ⚪️
9am – Sung Parish Mass [SJ]
11:15am – Sung Parish Mass [SL]
Psalter Week 2, C(I), Sunday next before Advent
Upcoming Dates
November
22nd – Christmas Lights Turn On, stalls at both events
27th – Advent Course, 1st lecture, 7pm, [WH]
30th – Joint Mass, St. Luke’s, 11am [SL]
Advent Carols, 3pm [SL]
December
7th – Explorers & Christingle, 3-5pm [SC]
13th – Bay Brass Band Concert, 7pm [SL]
20th – 9 Lessons & Carols, 6pm, both churches
21st – Christingle & Crib Service, 3-5pm [SL]
Solemn Evensong with Benediction, 7pm [SJ]
24th – Live Nativity, 4pm [SJ]
Midnight Mass, 8pm [SJ]
Midnight Mass, 11:30pm [SL]
25th – Christmas Day Mass, 10am [SL & SJ]
Table Top Sale at Wickham Hall every 3rd Saturday at 10am.
St. Luke’s Women’s Group meets first Wednesday of every month.
[SJ] St. John’s | [SL] St. Luke’s | [WH] Wickham Hall
[SC] St. Catherine’s School