Keeping in Touch

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Published on Friday, 17 April 2020 09:46

Written by Richard Frost

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Click here for our Service for the 4th Sunday After Trinity (5 July)

You can watch previous services here 

The anniversary of the NHS – formed on 5th July 1948

'During the current pandemic, there has been immense national and local support for the NHS and its front-line workers. The emergence of the Thursday ‘Clap for Carers’ was a significant experience in the lockdown. Thanksgiving binds communities together, turning ‘I’ into ‘we’. The contribution of carers and key workers who have given of themselves sacrificially needs to be honoured.'  Robert, Bishop of Exeter.

Indeed, we have so much to give thanks for and I commend these two prayers to you.

For the NHS

God of healing and compassion, we thank you for the establishment of the National Health Service, and for the dedication of all who work in it: give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who care for the sick, and your wisdom to those engaged in medical research. Strengthen all in their vocation through your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For carers and health professionals

Lord Jesus, who healed the sick and gave them new life, be with all  carers and health professionals, as they act as agents of your healing touch.In desperate times, keep them strong yet loving; and when their work is done, be with them in their weariness and in their tears. Amen.  (from Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals Chaplaincy, by Althea Hayton – adapted)

A significant step forwards is that the government has announced this week that our church buildings can again be opened to public worship, which is wonderful news.

 ‘How awesome is this place. This is none other than the house of God and this is the gateway of heaven.’ (Genesis 28.17)

As you would expect, we are now undertaking careful planning across the Haldon Team as we rise to the challenge of how to be Church post lockdown.  We must be mindful of balancing our desire to gather together for worship, keeping people safe, and our commitment to continuing the on-line services and support to those who are vulnerable.  It will be an evolving picture.  Please hold this time of transition in your prayers as we journey on together.

God Bless

Sue

Sunday Service

A link for our newest service is shown above and the one for this coming Sunday will be available from Sunday. 

Opening of Churches for Personal Prayer

• St Michael’s, Teignmouth will be open 10am-2pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays 
• St Mary’s, Ideford will be open 10am-4pm on Wednesdays and Sundays 
• St John’s, Bishopsteignton will be open 10am-12 noon on Wednesdays & 3-5pm on Sundays

Whichever church you normally go to, you are welcome to go in to any of these churches at the days and times shown.

You will be able to go in to the building to sit in the quiet and stillness of the church to pray and reflect as you wish. All we ask is that you observe social distancing, follow the safety guidance inside the church and clean your hands before and after entering. Toilets will not be open. If you are shielding or suffering any symptoms of Coronavirus please do not enter. Thank you.

Before lockdown, the churches in Ashcombe, Luton and St James in Teignmouth were not normally open and the PCCs there have decided that will continue to be the case. 

It also continues to be the case that there will be no public church services for the foreseeable future but we will be continuing online services for you to join – they are available here..

There is also a new Quiet Space (with resources to use) in the churchyard at St John’s in Bishopsteignton which is open all day, every day for anyone to use. 

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who has supported the opening of our churches for quiet prayer.

A special mention for Carole from St James who so beautifully decorated the Lady Chapel at St Michael’s at very short notice with four beautiful arrangements, some very definite teamwork.  In all 48 people spent time in quiet prayer at St Michael’s in the first week and several others visited St John’s in Bishopsteignton and St Mary’s in Ideford, which was wonderful!  It has been a privilege to welcome so many from our team of churches, other church goers from across the town and residents and visitors to the town. 

Thank you to all those who contributed to St Michael’s Virtual Flower Festival appeal I am pleased to report that £1,435 has been raised. Thanks be to God - I am still happy to collect more!

Christine Vince

Preparing to move on

Our Team Rector, Revd Roderick Withnell is retiring on Sunday 12th July and he and Claire will be pleased to see anyone who would like to say goodbye between 2-4pm outside St Michael’s Church in Teignmouth. A special online service of Evensong will be available on our website that day. More information about Roderick's retirement is available here.

Claire writes: ‘With retirement comes a considerable amount of downsizing. We have a large selection of furniture, household and white goods all on offer for a donation of your choice to St Michael’s. Please spread the word and email me for a list/details.’ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07969353902 

Keeping in Touch During the Week

Midweek Communion - Tuesdays at 9.30am

For some people, attending a communion service during the week is part of their regular practice. We are now able to offer this form of spiritual communion via the internet as one of our clergy celebrates the Eucharist. If you would like to receive the link to these mid-week Zoom services please contact Revd Sue Astbury for details.

Telephone Prayer 

Whichever one of our churches you go to, all are welcome to phone 0330 606 0403 – and when prompted, enter the Access Code which is 516129 followed by #. Revd Jane will answer, and you will be able to speak to others who also phone in. Calls cost the same as a phoning a landline number. Why not give a go? 

Compline (Night Prayer) is now available for your use any day. You may like to say Compline on particular days as part of your rhythm of prayer.

Praying at home      

Information and resources can be downloaded here. If you would like a printed copy, please reply to this email. If you have a specific prayer request please send details to Mervyn Niblett, Team Administrator by replying to this e-mail. He will pass it on in strict confidence to the clergy for their prayers. The clergy will also be happy to pray over the phone soo please do contact them.

We appreciate this is a time of concern and please be assured of our prayers and support.