Dearest friends,
We wait prayerfully between Ascension and Pentecost, we stand with the disciples in that remarkable moment between promise and fulfilment. Jesus has ascended to the Father, yet before He went, He left His Church with a command that still echoes through every generation: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28.19).
These are not words for clergy alone, nor for missionaries in distant lands. They are Christ’s calling to every baptised Christian. The Church exists not simply to preserve what we have received, but to share it joyfully with a world longing for hope, meaning, forgiveness, and love. Our greatest task is to help others encounter Jesus Christ.
We often think of faith as something private, but the Gospel is always outward-facing. The same Lord who gathered us in love sends us out in love. In our homes, workplaces, schools, friendships, and communities, we are called to be witnesses to the transforming grace of God. Sometimes this happens through words; often it begins through kindness, invitation, patience, prayer, and lives shaped by Christ.
As Pentecost approaches, we remember that the disciples were not sent out in their own strength. The Holy Spirit came upon them with power, courage, and joy. The same Spirit is given to us. We shouldn’t be afraid of speaking about our faith or inviting others into the life of the Church. God Himself goes before us.
Perhaps this week each of us might pray for one person who does not yet know the love of Jesus, and ask God for the courage to invite them closer. To a service, a conversation, or simply into the warmth of Christian friendship. For there is no greater calling than helping others find their home in Christ.
In love,
Fr. Matthew
Notices
Holy Trinity Sunday – Joint Mass in Bovey Tracey.
Much planning is going ahead for this wonderful Sunday. We’ll all meet at St. John’s at 10:30am and process to Marsh Park where we’ll celebrate the Eucharist with our brothers and sisters from PPT. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop James (and he’ll also preach for us). Rev’d Graham and myself will serve in various respects. We have coffee immediately afterwards and then a family BBQ – a perfect event to invite your friends and family to. There’ll be a children’s tent with various activities and lots of fun for the whole family. We need volunteers to help set up in the morning and do the BBQ etc. Please be in touch with Fr. Matthew
Lecture – World Religions
Have you ever wondered what the other world religions are, how big they are, where they started, and what they believe? Have you ever wondered how they differ from what we believe as Christians? These questions and more will be answered at our first summer lecture at St. John’s on Sunday 17th at 4pm.
Join us afterwards for a cream tea, followed by sung evensong at 6pm.
Sunday 17th May
7th Sunday of Easter
9am – BCP Parish Mass [SJ]
11:15am – Sung Parish Mass [SL]
4pm – Lecture, World Religions [SJ]
5pm – Afternoon Tea [SJ]
6pm – Evensong [SJ]
Year A(II), Psalm week 3, Sunday after Ascension Day
Upcoming Dates
May
16th – Table Top Sale [WH]
Rosary Group, 10:30am [SL]
17th – Lecture, World Religions (4pm) [SJ]
Afternoon Tea (5pm) [SJ]
Evensong (6pm) [SJ]
20th – St. Luke’s APCM, 6pm [SL]
21st – St. John’s APCM, 6pm [WH]
31st – Joint service & parish outreach with PPT [SJ]
NA Benefice Evensong, St. Luke’s
June
3rd – St. Luke’s Ladies Group
7th – Explorers
20th – Table Top Sale [WH]
21st – Lecture, Christian Denominations (4pm) [WH]
Afternoon Tea (5pm) [WH]
Evensong (6pm) [SJ]
July
1st – St. Luke’s Ladies Group
4th – Parish Outing to Exmouth
5th – Explorers
10th – Evening Lecture – History of the Anglo Catholics in Devon [WH]
18th – Table Top Sale [WH]
19th – Joint mass with BBQ [SJ]
23rd – Sending Mass for Fr. Matthew’s Pilgrimage, 10am [SJ]
25th – Quiz with Fish & Chips [SL]
26th – NA Benefice Evensong, West Ogwell
Sept
2nd – St. Luke’s Ladies Group
5th – Glastonbury Pilgrimage
10th – Winter Term & Christmas Planning Meeting [SL]
11th – Bingo [SL]
13th – Explorers
20th – Lecture, Church Vestments (4pm) [WH]
Afternoon Tea (5pm) [WH]
Evensong (6pm) [SJ]
27th – NA Benefice Evensong, St. Mary’s
No Ladies Group in August
No midweek Mass in August
Fr. Matthew on pilgrimage from 24th July to 4th September
[SJ] St. John’s | [SL] St. Luke’s | [WH] Wickham Hall
[SC] St. Catherine’s School
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