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Category: News

Revd Carol writes: Recently a former Aston Villa player Paul Merson presented a BBC documentary: “Football, Gambling and Me”. It found that part of his addict’s brain is stimulated more by photos of gambling than anything else including images of family and food. It also showed that the gaming industry plays on this by setting algorithms to tempt addicts via their phones to keep trying to win back their losses. Lives are being destroyed by addiction.
Jesus understood the compulsive side of human nature very well; in the Gospel of Mark he addressed our addiction to money and possessions in the story of the rich man. But Jesus looked at the man, saw his goodness and “loved him” though when Jesus said “give up your possessions…. come, follow me” he was shocked and grieved. The story of the ease of camels passing through needles, the love of money and entering heaven is well known.
Addicts too feel there is no way back and sadly in the UK one commits suicide every day. Merson speaking of his compulsion said he hasn’t the strength for another recovery, in other words he feels he couldn’t be saved. Jesus says something different: “for mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” (Mark 10: 17-31).

Church Services 

Sunday 31 October

10am Holy Communion at St Michael's, Teignmouth

10am Holy Communion at St John's, Bishopsteignton

10.30am Holy Communion at St James', Teignmouth

3pm Service for All Souls at St John's, Bishopsteignton (see below)

4.30pm Service for All Souls at St Michael's, Teignmouth (see below)

COVID Precautions

When coming to church please remember and be considerate of the fact that some people may feel vulnerable or anxious. Therefore, so that everyone can feel safe and welcome, we strongly encourage you to please continue to sanitise your hands and wear a face mask whenever possible. Please respect other people’s space by not sitting too closely to your neighbour unless explicitly invited to do so. We will continue to ask for details for NHS Test & Trace. Our Team churches will be well-ventilated so warmer clothing may be in order.

If you are experiencing any symptoms you are kindly asked to stay away - even if you have been doubly vaccinated. Thank you.

Online

A special Online Service for All Saints Day will be available on Sunday. Online services are also available from the Church of England. To watch and join any of our previous services please visit our YouTube Channel. 

And click here for recordings of our Exploring our Faith sessions.

During the week

Every Tuesday 9.30am     Holy Communion at St Michael's, Teignmouth

Every Thursday 5pm        Evening Prayer via Zoom (click link to join. Download service sheet here). 

Monday (1st Nov)  5pm   First Things First at St Michael's, Teignmouth (see below)

Wednesday (3rd) 10am   Holy Communion at St John's, Bishopsteignton followed by Coffee Pot

Saturday (5th) 10am       Julian Group in Bishopsteignton (click here for details)

Some of our churches are now open every day for prayer during the week. 

In other news...  

All Souls: if you would welcome the opportunity to remember & give thanks for a loved one who is no longer with us, there will be opportunities to do so at 3pm in St John's, Bishopsteignton or at 4.30pm at St Michael's, Teignmouth on Sunday 31st October. Tea & cake will be served after a short service in each case. There are lists at the back of St Michael's, St James & St John's to enter those whose names you'd like read out or you can contact the clergy direct. 

First Things First Prayer is the foundation of everything we do. Our monthly prayer meeting is an informal setting in which we can come together to pray for members of our congregations, the ministry of the Haldon Team and broader church and world issues. Our next meeting will be on Monday 1st November at 5pm at St Michael's, Teignmouth. Everyone is welcome, regardless of which church community you belong to. It will last about 30-45 minutes. 

Exploring Our Faith Maybe you’re new or have been coming to church for years but are unsure about some of the things we do? Or you’re wondering about how it all relates to our Christian faith? Led by members of the clergy and ministry team, these sessions offer an opportunity for us to learn more together. The next session, on Exploring the Bible, is on Saturday 13 November. Click here for more details & recordings of previous sessions. All are welcome.

Samaritan’s Purse - Operation Christmas Child – Shoebox Appeal Leaflets for the Shoebox Appeal are now available at both St. James and St Michael’s churches Teignmouth. If you want to participate, please read the leaflet carefully for instructions as to what to do. This lists items that they suggest can be included in the box and what must NOT be put in the box. Please use a standard shoebox, cover in Christmas paper, and remember your donation of £5 which can be paid online, or by cheque or cash using the prepaid envelope. If you do not want to fill a box but want to support this initiative a donation can be given to the contact in your church. The contact at St. James is Anne Harding (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and Sarah Whitty (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for St. Michael’s.

Praying at home  -  If you have a specific prayer request please send details to Mervyn in the Team Office. He will pass it to the clergy on in strict confidence. The clergy will also be happy to pray over the phone so please do contact them. Information and resources can be downloaded here and Compline (Night Prayer) is available every day. If you would like a printed copy, please contact the clergy. 

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If you have difficulty accessing parts of our website, please visit A Church Near You which contains most of the same information.