Dearest friends,
One of the great privileges of this past week was hosting the Archdeacons’ Visitation at St. Luke’s. It brought together clergy and churchwardens from across the archdeaconry, but what struck me most was not the business of the evening. Instead, it was the encouragement we were given to recognise the calling of those around us.
We often think of a calling as something dramatic. We think of St Peter leaving his fishing nets behind or St Paul encountering the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Their stories are certainly extraordinary, and this Sunday, as we celebrate their feast day, we rightly give thanks for the courage with which they followed Christ.
Yet their calling did not end with those dramatic moments. It was worked out over years of faithful service, learning, failure, forgiveness, and perseverance. The Church was built not simply on remarkable experiences but upon lives that were gradually shaped by God’s grace.
Most of us will not experience a blinding light on the road to Damascus, but every Christian receives a vocation. Sometimes that calling is to preach or teach. Sometimes it is to visit the lonely, welcome newcomers, arrange flowers, sing in the choir, keep the churchyard tidy, make tea after the service, or simply pray faithfully for others. None of these gifts is insignificant, because each one helps reveal something of the love of Christ.
One of the challenges we were given this week was to notice those gifts in other people and encourage them to use them. Perhaps there is someone you know whose kindness, wisdom, practical ability or quiet faith would bless the life of the Church if only someone took the time to say, “Have you ever thought about…?”
Peter and Paul remind us that God delights in working through ordinary people. Perhaps He is calling you to something new. Or perhaps He is inviting you to encourage someone else to discover the gifts He has already placed within them.
In love,
Fr. Matthew
Notices
Explorers
We’ll be at St. Catherine’s school again on the afternoon of the 5th July for Explorers – do come along and join us as we explore Moses and the gift he gave us.
Summer Lectures
We continue our Summer Lecture series with a repeat (at great request) of the previous lecture on the Anglo-Catholic Movement, it’s history, and it’s particular impact here in Devon. 7pm, 10th July, Wickham Hall.
Quiz & Chips
The quiz returns! Come to St. Luke’s for the very popular quiz with fish and chips. Could you either sign up at the back of St. Luke’s or just let Fr. Matthew know if you’re planning on coming.
Summer Pilgrimage
Fr. Matthew will be leaving Devon on the 23rd July from St. John’s at 10am. There’ll be a special Mass, lead by Fr. Robin. He’ll bless Fr. Matthew (and his bike!) as they depart on their 9000km journey around the major marian shrines of Europe. This journey will form the backbone of a booked called ‘Two Holy Bikers’ which will be published by Bloomsburry in October 2027.
Sunday 28th June
Ss Peter & Paul
9am – Sung Parish Mass [SJ]
11:15am – Sung Parish Mass [SL]
Year A(II), Psalm week 1, Trinity 4, Proper 8
Upcoming Dates
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]
Rosary Group (10:30am) [SL]
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