St Andrew's Church Feniton

everybody welcome!

2012-02-19T11:10:00.003Z

• How many people try out

your church each year?

• Do they feel welcome?

• Do they come back?

• What would happen if 10%,

25%, or even 50% of your

visitors did join your church?

In five sessions during Lent,

everybody welcome willhelp us

review our attitudes to

newcomers, learn new

approaches, and spot areas we

need to improve or change.

When?

Five Thursdays in Lent :

March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Refreshments from 6.30 fora

prompt start at 7.00.

Finish at 8.30.

Where?

St Andrew’s, Feniton

Led by ?

John Pangbourne

Cate Edmonds

Bookings?

Feniton, Escot and Payhembury

churches, please book through

Churchwardens.

Members of other Churches in the Otter Vale.

please book through John Pangbourne

(01404 812393)

johnann.pangbourne@virgin.net

Organ Concert

2012-01-30T21:53:00.001Z

As I expect you will have seen via the parish magazine two of the Cathedrals organists came to play a varietyof music using our new organ on the 24th February. The organ was moved to the front ofthe church so that Stephen and Andrew can be seen playing.

The event was arranged by Pat Roy and AnnReed together with her Social Committee who organised the evening with:-

Stephen Tanner

(Director of Music: Exeter CathedralSchool & Assistant Organist and Director of the Girl Choristers, ExeterCathedral)

and

Andrew Downton

(Director of Music: South DartmoorPrimary Schools & Assistant Director: Exeter Cathedral Outreach Programme)

It was a wonderful evening, a mixture of classical, jazz and folk, played on our organ, a keyboard and laptop, bass guitar, violin, penny whistle, which, Stephen explained, is a just like a organ pipe, and a soprano saxophone. The sound of the organ at full power was spine tingling and very stiring. Thank you to all involved.

St. Andrew's Church, the old organ

2012-01-21T11:41:00.001Z

Thought this set of photos showing the dismantling of the old organ may be of interest.

https://picasaweb.google.com/107560330293436102358/FenitonOrgan#

Had a email from a chap researching organs and he passed on this.

http://www.ohta.org.au/confs/Qld/Bulimba.html

Many thanks to Mr Geoffrey Cox for permission to share this with you.

Epiphany 2 2012

2012-01-20T15:36:00.000Z

I had a strange unusualexperience this week. I was in my Old Deanery office, behind the cathedral onTuesday when I got a call form our receptionist downstairs- “Cate”, she says“we have a verger from the Cathedral wondering if you could help”. Strange I thought but duly went downstairsand met the verger who explained that there was a gentleman who had come intothe Cathedral and kept bursting into song. I was called upon as on that morningI was the only Clergy person in the Old Deanery, Bishops’ House or Cathedral asBishops staff were away at a meeting! We walked over to the cathedral and the verger pointed out a gentleman sat quietlyin one of the rows. At that time he was just sat , no singing, then he startedquite softly and sweetly. I went over to him and sat beside him, complementedhim on his singing and we had a chat. He told me he was drawn into thecathedral to pray and then to sing in a different language. I left him in peace in fact somewhat in aweof his openness to God.

But pondering on this afterwards, I thoughtisn’t that what a cathedral is for, praying and singing, yes usually in anorganised way but it’s purpose is to bring us together for the glory of God, insong, to communicate with God through prayer and to listen to what God iscalling us to do. It brought to mind some verses from Psalm 100:

Make ajoyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. ²Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presencewith singing. V1

Enter hisgates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name. V3

Which brings us to today, what do we make ofthese readings? The young Samuel Think about the boySamuel for a minute. He was a special -a special gift from God to his mother Hannah who dedicated him to the Lord upon his birth andsent him when he was still very young to live with the Priest Eli at Shiloh. Thescripture says that he lived in a time in which the word of the Lord was rare,a time in which visions were not widespread. Is that like us now?

But Samuel lived in aholy place and in the holy presence. Hewitnessed the sacrifices made at the alter in Shiloh, and even as a lad he worethe linen ephod and ministered in the house of God. Like his teacher Eli, heprayed to God, Like his master - he served faithfully. Like others, he hadheard the teachings proclaimed, the story of God's love and Samuel grew up inthe presence of God. Samuel then, of all people, surely should have been ableto recognize the call of God. But - asthe story in the 3rd chapter of the book of Samuel shows us - he did not - thatis he didn't until Eli recognized that call for him.

What then of the call of Nathaniel? He was adeeply devoted Jew who knew the law and the scriptures and the prophesies ofthe prophets. He was called to Jesus but only believed when Jesus amazed him bysaying he knew who he was before he was approached by Philip. A little bit scary,that God through Christ knows us so well!

Um! I wonder why do somany people, people who already believein God and accept Jesus believe that God is not speaking to them personally?That God is not trying to guide them in a particular way? That God is notreaching out to them?

The answer may well bethat people fail to hear the call of God, that they fail to notice how God issummoning them. This is not because that call is not issued, but because theyare either don’t understand how God calls us, or because they allow themselvesto pass over that call, to set it aside as it were, and so grow used toignoring the Word when it comes.

The word of God comesin many ways, we are called by Christ in many ways but do we respond? Thegentleman in the cathedral felt called to pray and sing, some found thatstrange, unsettling, but that gentleman responded openly without embarrassment.Are we embarrassed to respond, are we to busy to respond? God calls each one ofus to worship and serve him, how we do it will differ, but we must do it. Weare called to action not apathy, we are called to serve not to be served. Solet’s listen hard to what God is calling us to do, we may find that He iscalling us directly through the teachings of Jesus or we may find that he iscalling us like Nathaniel through a disciple. Listen out, watch out the call isthere and don’t let us be people like those OT people of whom it was said, “theword of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.”

Let us be people of visionwho respond to God’s voice and we will notice the difference in our churches inour communities and the world. Amen

Epiphany 2012

2012-01-13T10:34:00.000Z

I am sure that if wewalked into Exeter and asked any number of shoppers what day it was, they wouldjust reply “Sunday”. If we asked them what day Friday 6^th was theymay looked surprised, some may, if we were lucky, say 12^th day ofChristmas. I don’t think many would say it was Epiphany! Or that today Epiphanyis celebrated in churches as well as the commemoration of the Baptism of Jesus.

Today, however, I wouldlike to concentrate on Epiphany which is celebrated around the world on 6^thof January, in fact in some countries Epiphany is the main celebration ofChristmas. Historically, Epiphany was the day onwhich many Christians exchanged gifts, something we've now pushed back toChristmas Day on December 25. This was due to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, the day on which ChristmasDay was celebrated was Jan 6^th but became 25^th Dec.But what is Epiphany? The word epiphany is a transliteration of a word appearingin the original Greek of the New Testament. Epiphany means to shine upon. (Totransliterate a word means to take it over into a new language, largely unchanged,maintaining the same meaning.)

All well and good but why do we take Epiphany so lightly, almostdisregard it? Is it something to do with the fact that we compress the wholeChristmas story into one night. Our carols, nativities reinforce this. Picturesof the stable with shepherds, animals and Kings surrounding the infant Jesuscome into mind as images we are used to from childhood to now. Unfortunately bydoing this we often miss the real message of those visitors and often the truemessage of Christmas around the sentimentality of nativity scenes. But let’slook at those visitors, the shepherds came first. Now shepherds were prettylowly people, scratching a living keeping their flocks. BUT they were drawn bythe angels to visit Jesus, the Messiah, indicating for all eternity that Jesuscame for all people regardless of class.

Then we come to the Kings/ Wisemen/Magi- what shall we call them, wehave made them into Kings pictorially, but really Magi may be a better name forthem. Theterm Magi was originally reserved for a tribe of the Medes who were priests forthe Persian Empire and the Zoastrian Religion. Having said this the term 'Magi'became popular and eventually by the 1st century AD, it was being used of anymysterious person who had access to knowledge not normally known to mostpeople. But wisemen and stargazers is also a reasonable name for them. Whateverwe call them, they were drawn but appearance of a new bright star towards theEast and came eventually to the Christ child. Not on the same night, not mostprobably in the stable but in a house as it states in v11. It is quite possiblethat by the time the Magi arrived Jesus was a toddler. Times and places thoughare not significant what is significant is what their appearance and their homageindicates. It reinforces that Jesus , God incarnate came into the world notjust for the people of Israel but for everyone regardless of colour or creed.

The visitors to theChrist child establish firmly the openness of God, the ready availability of Christ.From Him light shone into the world, what a wonderful image, the world lightingup from a small child, but what a child! God in human form.

OK we’ve done theexplanation, what next is that it. Did those visitors just give their gifts andgo home. They’d had a pretty tough journey, they had endured hardships, threatsfrom Herod , bad weather, so did they drop their gifts, go aah at the child andleave and just tick it off as another of their explorations? I don’t think so!I am sure that both the Shepherds and the Magi were changed, the light ofChrist pierced their hearts and they would never be the same again. Anencounter with Christ is life changing and life enhancing. They made an effort to meet with Christ dowe? What gifts have we to offer to Christ? Are we prepared to endure hardshipto journey with Christ?

When looking at ourreadings for today, I was struck by the very first word of the OT reading fromIsaiah- “Arise,”. It demands action, it demands effort, it is not a passivestatement but a dynamic charge, and then it goes on, “ shine “ another command,that when we have met with Christ, when we become Christians whether it is atraumatic sudden occurrence or something that you have gradually grown intosince birth, we need to show it. Why? “..for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen uponyou.”

Epiphany is a time whenwe think again about that light given to all, not just to the nativitycharacters, but the light which has shone and continues to shine on each on eof us demands a response, that we should shine out the love of God, brought tous by Christ in everything that we do. Hard I know when we are under pressureor feel unwell, but our whole beings should reflect God love for each and everyone of us, we have that gift through our relationship with Him through Christ.SO if all we do this Epiphany is to shone let that light of Christ burn verybrightly in our hearts and if will shine out of us and you would be surprised howothers will see it, look at v5 “ …. Then you shall see and be radiant;”

As Christians let us be radiant with God’slove now and for evermore. Amen

Dates for the Angelics working parties 2012

2012-01-08T08:32:00.001Z

Once again I thought it time to beg forhelp to cut the churchyard grass before

You fill your diary with other appointments. Most people like to see a tidy

churchyard as it makes the whole church lookedcared for.

The following are the Saturdays that weintend to cut the Church grass and do

routine maintenance tasks

Start time is approx. 9 a.m. and we aimto finish by 11 a.m. at the latest

If you don’t fancy cutting grass pleasecome and help with other jobs as there

is always something for everybody.

3rd. March This is earlier than usualbut as the winter, so far, has been mild the

grass is slowly growing

7th. April

5th May

2nd. June

7th. July

4th August

1st. September

6th. October

3rd. November

As many of us are getting older it would be ideal if youhave any friends who

will come and give a hand, in additionif you can bring a motorised strimmer

it’s a great help if not bring shears or othergarden tools that may be needed.

If you cannot come for the whole timejust come and go when you can.

Coffee and biscuits are the incentive tocome but so is the humour, the sense

of fun and the feeling of a job well done.

Hope to see you on these dates

Regards David (850699)

ALL ON A WINTER’S NIGHT

2012-01-01T11:52:00.003Z

What afeast! What a feast of seasonal music, songs and words to set everyone in themood for Christmas!

‘All on aWinter’s Night’, Friday December 9^th, an audience packed intoFeniton Church to enjoy a wonderful evening’s entertainment by Gloucester basedfolk singer Johnny Coppin and his friends Paul Burgess and Mick Dolan onguitars, recorder and keyboard. Low red lighting reflected on tinsel decoratingtheir instruments and threaded through the ancient rood screen to set a cosyscene as they sang songs and carols in different traditional styles. The threemen’s voices blended superbly. There was an Irish ‘jig’ carol ‘Christmas inKillarney’, a Cornish carol and even some rock and roll! Paul read seasonalexcerpts from various writers, mostly humorous, featuring Christmas in oldendays, with many references to plum puddings and the overindulgence of cider!
Theacoustics in the Church proved ideal: had the roof ever echoed to such musicbefore? Who knows, before the days of the organ when there was a gallery,fiddlers may have played up there like Thomas Hardy did as a young man inStinsford church.
In theinterval, drinks - including Feniton Frolic, a fruity concoction , said to benon-alcoholic! – coffee and mincepies were enjoyed.
Some of theaudience had come from afar – from Norfolk. Bristol and Cornwall. Thisperformance was part of a national tour: the following evening Johnny andfriends were to be playing the Colston Hall Bristol.
Many thanksare due to Pete Privett whose idea it was, and for arranging the concert, andto all involved in the refreshments etc, giving us such an unforgettableevening, and raising some welcome funds for St Andrew’s.

NEWS FROM ST.ANDREW’S

2011-12-31T10:40:00.002Z

As I write this, we’re all rushing about making final preparations forChristmas! It seems odd, then, to be wishing you all a Happy New Year andsaying that I hope you all enjoyed the Christmas Season!! Anyway, I hope youall did and that 2012 will be a good year for us all!

Obviously, December is a busy month at church with the Carol servicesand so on. It was lovely to be able to celebrate Christmas properly in StAndrew’s now it’s open again. Thank you to all who helped to decorate thechurch or who took part in any of the services in any way.

At the beginning of December, Johnny Coppin came to perform in theChurch and it was a wonderful evening. The building was packed and everyone hada good time. Our thanks again to all those involved in organising the event.

Following the Fun Day earlier in the year, we have received a cheque for£75 which will be very useful! Thank you for that!

Looking forward to January, a leaflet has come fromExeter Cathedral who are looking for choristers to join their choir. If youknow anyone between the ages of 8 and 10 (Years 3, 4 and 5), who might beinterested in this, there is to be an Open Day at the Cathedral on January 21^stbetween 11.30 and 3.45.

On January 14^th, in church, there is to bea quiz starting at 7.30 so come along and join us if you are about then---itwill give us a chance to shake the tinsel off our little grey cells at the veryleast!!

Can I please make another plea for volunteers to go on the coffee andcleaning rotas? The new sheets are up in the porch.

Finally, welcome to George Boyes, Aleisha Roach and Max Mullenger whohave all been baptised recently.

All for now---I’m still writing my cards!!!

GillWalker 850711

The school Nativity Photos Christmas 2011

2011-12-20T15:53:00.000Z

The Coppin Concert 9 Dec 2011

2011-12-20T15:50:00.000Z

Rev Cate and Paul’s travels.

2011-12-04T08:51:00.001Z

Our travels started with a goodflight from Englandvia Madridand we arrived in Buenos Airesin the evening, just after arriving at the hotel Tamson and Emily were there tomeet us. We spent a couple of days there exploring the city, visiting a tangoshow, Strictly’s not a patch on it, and took a ferry over the river Plate to Uruguay for theday. BA is a very European city so we were pleased to then move onto otherparts of Argentina,Mendoza thefamous vine area was interesting and delicious! Then up to the northern partsof Argentinawhere we were able to see much more of real life. Argentina is a very Catholiccountry on the surface but with a declining number of church attendees andlittle interest from the young (sounds familiar). Churches and cathedral werevery ornate.

From Argentina we moved on by busand after a 11hr trip we came to theChilean border(more about that later) in the middle of the desert, having passed through the Andes and reachedour first 4000m height, the scenery stunning and so different.

We settled into our desert homefor a few days, so dusty and adobe houses and hotels, a very different way ofliving. Wonderful little church dating back to 16 century with a lovelyprayerful atmosphere and lots of people in traditional costume, though this isdying out with the young. Visited some amazing scenery and sights, I conjuredthe idea of a sculptor God, wow creation is so diverse and terrific.

On the move again this time anearly start to cross the Chilean border again and then round the base of avolcano, not active but a focus for ancient religion, and climbed up to theBolivian border- wow was like a James Bond film set, desert, burnt out cars 4x4packed up and covered in dust and littleoxygen at 4000m! We were met and taken by 4x4 on our trip through Bolivia feelinga bit like Indiana Jones! Far too muchto report here, but just to say we were staggered by amazing lagoons high up inthe Andes with different colours and thousands of flamingos. We walked in theheart of a volcano with bubbling coloured muds, paddles in hot springs and generally got bowled over bythe diversity and the magnificence of God’s creation. We stayed overnight in ahotel (4500m) with very limited services in the middle of no where, what anexperience, completer peace and darkness. We revised our programme slightly dueto industrial disputes etc. and came down to lower levels passing againlagoons, visited villages with no tourists and eventually got to the amazingSalt Flats of Bolivia, 10,000sq Km. of flat white land with a few islands inthe middle one of which is covered with cactus! On then to a hotel made ofsalt! Then over night to Sucrethe ceremonial capital of Bolvia and afew days of rest. Visited Potosiwhich in 17^th Century was richest city in world with a mountain ofsilver but now run down and poor, how the mighty are fallen. The churches inBolivia tend to be locked unless there are services as they are so ornate withgold and silver leaf and jewels that theyare afraid of them being stolen, I found this hard to take I must say. Some wewere able to enter did not give me much of a prayerful feel. Lots of reflectionneeded on this however about 90% pop. attend church regularly.

Well off to La Paz tomorrow and then onward to UK. We will besad to leave Tamson but Steve will be joining her in a few days. It has been anamazing experience with much to reflect on, magnificent sights, religiousoppression verses religious faith, drug trade (not taken any or been offeredany), happiness in poverty, colonialism, the influence of western culture andso on. We have so many photos I don’t think we will ever get through them all,particularly the number I took of llamas (they taste good too). An experienceto savour and to share at an appropriate time with some hilarious tales- justask me about a cow creamer! Cate and Paul

NEWS FROM ST.ANDREW’S

2011-11-19T16:53:00.001Z

Well, it’s that time of yearagain and hasn’t it come quickly? I don’t think all this mild weather helps—itonly feels like September, not December!!

The Remembrance Sundayservice this year was a really special time as it was our first since were-opened. The new plaque was dedicated to those from Feniton who died in theGreat War. It’s a beautiful piece of craftsmanship so do have a look whenyou’re next in church if you haven’t already seen it. The church was packed forthe service and we had representatives from the Brownies and the Air Cadets whichwas good. All in all, 120 adults were there together with 20 children and about£200 was collected to send on to the Royal British Legion. Many thanks to allwho came and especially to the Cadet who played so well at the Lych Gate whichmade that part of the service so much more special.

December isobviously going to be a busy month as ever, so check the centre pages for theservices. In addition, there will be carol singing at the Bowling Club onFriday 16^th which should get us all in good voice! Don’t forget theJohnny Coppin Evening on 9^th either!

Our CarolService on 18^th December takes place at 10.30 and, as part of theService, Rev Cate hopes to “build” a Live Nativity which should be fun! Anychildren are welcome to dress up to take part though not, please, as Mary andJoseph.

As usual with anew year almost upon us, the rotas for cleaning, coffee and flowers willshortly be going up in the church porch. If you feel you could undertake tohelp with any of these, please sign up when you see them. Now we have coffeeeach week, we do need extra people or it always falls to the same few whichisn’t really fair!

May I take thisopportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.I’ll be back in 2012!!

GillWalker

"Lest We Forget"

2011-11-14T17:33:00.001Z

This is the new Memorial carved by Bill Knollman. It is now in place in the church. It was wonderful to see so many at the Remembrance Service. The whole event was very moving.

The names: Hansford R. - Herridge R. - Lovering W. - Marshall T. - Otton L. - Ross J. - Ross R.W.

The names on the WW2 window are Clifford P. - Channon G. - Lovering E. - Woodley F.

Three Years ago today!! The flood event 29th Oct 2008

2011-10-29T14:31:00.000+01:00

While in the church this morning for the Coffee morning, it was mentioned that it was three years ago today that Feniton and neighbouring villages were badly affected by the hail stone flood.

It is just wonderful to see the church back in use and looking so fresh and welcoming.

UPDATE: The event raised just over £240. A very good amount!

Last Sunday After Trinity 2011

2011-10-24T09:59:00.000+01:00

don’t know whether you havenoticed but there are always different days of the year designated to differentthings, World Day of Peace, World Day of Marriage, Refugee Day, Adoption Dayetc. In the church we are the same, we have different days to celebrate, wehave our Saints days, our special festivals and other special initiative days.Today is one such day, its Bible Sunday, a day when we focus more closely onthe Bible and how we can share the Good News to others. We could have chosenspecial readings for today but we have chosen to stay with the usual readingsdesignated for today as I think they are important in helping us understand theBible.

Our readings are influenced bylaws of our faith. Several years agothere was a study of RE in schools , which asked a range of primary school agedchildren what they had learnt about the different religions. The response was interesting;they viewed Judaism as being about wearing little hats and shawls with tassels,Islam as praying lots on special mats, Hinduism as lots of colourful statues,Sikhism as celebrations with flags and Christianity being about laws! Oh howsad if Christianity is thought only in terms of rules, what you can’t do, howdry and unimaginative, how stifling! Unfortunately this is a misconceptionshared with many in our communities. Iwas struck when I first became ordained how some people altered their attitudeto me, they had known me for years but it seemed that overnight I needed to betreated differently, they needed to watch their language around me, theythought that I might not want to be included in a social activity etc. It wasas if this overt admission of my faith meant that I was a different person,that as a Christian I was bound up with rules that would set me apart and Iwould judge others. I have to confess it quite upset me and I had to spend timewith people explaining that I was the same person and that my faith wasliberating not restricting it is life enhancing.

So let’s think about laws in theBible, these rules we Christians are supposed to be tied up by. Moses we knowreceived laws from God- the 10 commandments. When and where did this happen? (In the wilderness where the Israelites had escaped, they were a wanderingpeople removed from their previous existence and travelling by faith, they were not livingunder any rules and regulations of as government in a country, they had a rangeof confusing societal norms.) Mosescalled by God brought these people into the desert; he then needed help fromGod in order for them to become a cohesive body of people. God gave the 10commandment, which if we analyse we can see make complete sense to the peopleat the time and even make sense with just minor adjustments to us today, with theuse of more usual illustrations. Moses in taking these simple laws to thepeople hoped that they would be able to use them to make their lives easier andsimpler and avoid argument. He then was able to die in the knowledge that thepeople would live by God’s laws and not their own.

I always think it sad that Mosesdid not cross into the promised land as we read in our OT reading, he had borneso much in the 40 years in the wilderness and there at the point of rejoicinghe dies. But he had served his time, he had dome God’s will, he had formed anation and brought them out of slavery. He saw the Promised Land, he hadenabled them to learn God’s simple commandments and his job was done.

We turn now to our Gospelreading, thousands of years later the Israelites have been settled for a longtime in the Promised Land, much has happened and eventually they are livingunder Roman occupation. A new voice is heard, the voice of a simple man! Acarpenter from Nazareth., but a man who was saying the most amazing things,doing amazing deeds, a man who prophesied to be the Son of God!

Emotions were running high withthose who were appointed to keep the rules, those who interpreted the scriptures,those who were learned, so how could this man of such a lowly background reallyhave an understanding of the Law, so he must be challenged. He must be cornered, he had silenced onelearned group, the Sadducees, but they the really clever ones they would catch himout and silence him!

So they asked him about the laws, which were the most important?Jesus starts with the first commandment, in fact he condenses the first 6 in to1, “love God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind,”how powerful is that?

Then he condenses the rest intothe simple “love your neighbour as yourself”, he then doesn’t stop but explainshow everything else hangs on these two great commandments. All the complicated lawswhich have been developed could be just condensed into 2 simplecommandments. Nothing here that thePharisees could argue about, he wasn’t denying any of the laws just simplifyingthem.

These commandments are just as salient now asthey were 2000 years ago, if we could live by these the world would be so muchbetter a place, there would be universal peace.

AS we think about Bible Sunday , we should think aboutthe teaching we gain from it, but the most important teaching we can gain fromboth the OT and the new is these basicsimple commandments. If we can live by these, if we can share these, our families,our community our world would be a better place.

So this Bible Sunday let us really concentrateon those amazing words of Christ which reflect the laws of Moses and beencouraged to truly live by these notjust today, because it’s a special day, but for all of our life and be an example of true Christiandiscipleship. Following Christ means giving respect to God and in doing so we sharehis love with all and we should not be down trodden by the laws but rejoice inthe interpretation of the law that Jesus gave. Amen

17th After Trinity 2011

2011-10-21T15:56:00.003+01:00

I have to say I do get frustrated withpoliticians, they never seem to answer the question they are asked. There isalways some slight deviation, we are side tracked form the real question,nothing downright dishonest just an avoidance of the real answer.. It’sobviously a skill which they learn early on or is it a skill someone might haveand then it comes in useful as a politician?

Couldthis be said of the answer that Jesus gave to the disciples (not the use of theterm) of the Pharisees. They didn’t have enough courage to face Jesusthemselves, they sent their followers, those who might have wanted to please,or did the Pharisees think that Jesus might give a more open answer if it wasjust to ordinary people and not the Pharisees themselves? They were themselvesbeing devious trying to catch Jesus out so that they would have something concreteto accuse him of. IT really annoys when people, don’t do their own dirty work,who don’t have the courage of their convictions to put forward questionsthemselves. It was no wonder that the society at the time was in such disarray;their supposed leaders were not all they should be. Perhaps it was due to thefact that they were under occupation from the Romans or was it that they hadmoved away from God’s message to them? Had they forgotten those words from Godto Moses” I know you by name …… and my presence will go with you and I willgive you rest.” – from our OT reading of Exodus.? So up they come to Jesus andalmost creep around him, flattering him to start with, saying that he treatsall people equally and not being a person to bow down to authority just forauthorities sake. But Jesus is able to see thorough their cunning, throughtheir obsequious smiles and so after a short rebuke he gave what we could thinkof as a politicians answer, it wasn’t a direct answer, but it was a very cleverone. Asking for a coin must have surprised them, made them wonder what wasgoing on, why did Jesus want money from them, he certainly didn’t normally askfor money, but then what he did with the coin used to pay the tax , a denariusa small silver coin but a typical Roman coin and was equivalent to the wagesfor 1 day in the fields. Only Romans were allowed to strike silver coins, theJews were allowed only to make bronze coins. So Jesus had to ask for the Romannot Jewish coin so as to demonstrate his answer.

Heslowly and carefully takes the coin and then asks the question, whose head ison this, he knew full well whose head it was, and the people answerer quitepossibly confused Caesar’s , so give to Caesar what is Caesar’s the coins madeto pay tax, that is being obedient to the civil law and respectful to Caesar indoing his commands. The Pharisees would have no cause to report Jesus for beingdisrespectful, but Jesus doesn’t stop there. He goes on to say give to God thethings that are of God, not things bought with money but with love. In otherwords give thanks to God for the gifts he gives to each one of us, his love,his creation, his joy. Give the earthly tangible things to those who demandthem but give the spiritual, life giving, life enhancing respect to thecreator, to God.

Dumbfounded by his answer and not being able to trap him they went away. What didthey think as they went back to report to the Pharisees? Not the result that was wanted. How did theyfeel, well we know they were amazed by his response , by his wisdom, did itchange them, did they want then to become his followers and not disciples ofthe Pharisees? We will never know, but I am sure the effect of meeting with Jesus,changed their lives in some way. Jesus gentle wisdom will have effected them.

Doeshis gentle wisdom affect us today? Are we amazed when we hear his teachingsrecorded in the scriptures or are we complacent? Do we take it all for grantedand turn off or so we listen hard and see what God is trying to say to usthrough Jesus?

Fromthis passage we see the command to give celebration and respect to the thingsof God, that’s why we are here today to worship together, to join in praise ofGod , to receive again his blessing and to share in Jesus story, his life andhis death and his resurrection and by doing so we are fed and inspired to goout and do his work, or at least we should be.

Weare called as Paul commends the Thessalonians , “ to serve a true and livingGod” A God who is there for us in all our ups and downs, who shares our joysand sorrows. Like Moses we may not be able to see his face but we know by theHoly Spirit that he is always with us, we have to have faith and we have torespond in worship and in service.

Wecome together today not just because of habit or social pressure but insimpleness and truth to give honour and praise to God our maker and redeemer,who sent his son to give us his unconditional love so that we will never everbe out of his presence. The earthly things will perish, the coins will be spentbut God’s love will not and so we give Him thanks and praise today and always.Amen.

Rev. Cate's letter

2011-10-21T15:52:00.002+01:00

DearFriends

WellI suppose we can say that autumn has well and truly arrived. The trees haveturned their amazing colours and the leaves are filling up our paths andgutters. The colours as always have beenspectacular. It is incredible the shades which a green leaf can produce, It iswonderful to just gaze and enjoy God’s creation when we have the time.

Iknow I regularly talk about time to reflect to stop and stand and gaze aroundus, but it is true we do get our spirits lifted when we do.

Liftingour spirits is so important when we hear nothing but doom and gloom in themedia, how the economy isn’t picking up, how there is this scandal and that anddemonstrations about injustice etc. I’m not saying that these are unimportantbut when we dwell on them continually it can drag us down. What we need ishope, hope that the economy will rise, hope that people in authority will actmore wisely and that there will be a change of hearts and minds of those whohave the power to ease injustice.

Faithis what can give us hope, we know that winter darkness follows the gorgeouscolours of autumn but we also know that the dullness of winter turns into thebrightness and colour of spring. Even the dull days of winter are interspersedwith bright gleaming days, there is always something bright even in those darkdays. We have faith that God who created all the beauty around us will enableus to keep that beauty going; He provides the light for us to do so.

Aswe launch ourselves into winter, let us keep the faith of Spring in our mindsand with Spring comes Easter the remembrance of God’s love for each and everyone of us and demonstrated in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As wethink of celebrating that love at Christmas but rapidly forget it in the wintergloom, let us remember the brightness of Easter and the winter gloom won’t setin so much. As we look at

thegreen leaves changing into red and orange and brown let’s look forward with joy to the brightnessof the green to come.

Every blessing, Rev Cate

P.S.For those of you who are interested in Operation Christmas Child’s Shoe Boxappeal. Please contact ; Kate Harvey as she is kindly coordinating shoe box packing and collection so for moredetails please contact her on 01404 851109.

Harvest 2011

2011-10-21T15:50:00.001+01:00

Our harvestcelebrations this year are a bit earlier than they usually are but all the samemost of the harvest is collected in apart from maize and potatoes I suppose.But with changing farming methods harvest varies greatly. I think for some people there isn’t a realunderstanding of harvest, the seasonsblur into one, with food imported from abroad we don’t see as much seasonalfood, what about strawberries and raspberries, I’ve been buying English onesonly this week! And as for asparagus,you can buy it all the year round, no excitement now for the first crop of anyof these. Mind you I have to say that English produce whether strawberries orasparagus tastes so much better. On onehand we hear about the great variety of provisions available to us all the yearround and how amazing that is then in the next breath we hear about foodmiles, how far food has to travel.

But anyway I must stop having a rant andreturn to our thoughts about harvest. Whether we are personally involved withcrop production or whether we are just onlookers the spirit of harvest festivalis very important. WE are giving thanks to God for his blessings on us, for thefood that is produced and though yields may be down this year due to the oddweather we have had throughout this year, we have had crops to harvest andtherefore we should be thankful. There are many places around the world wherethat same could not be said, places where there is drought, where there iscivil war and so on. Not only though in our harvest festivals do we give thanksto God but w e also ask His blessing on the land for the forthcoming sowing andfurther crop production.

IN our reading fromLuke we heard the parable of the rich man, who when harvesting kept all forhimself, in fact when he had a good yield he just built better and bigger barnsto store it in, never thinking that there may be others who were in need,others less fortunate and that he may be able to share his good fortune.. BUTwhat happened his life was taken from him, he didn’t live to enjoy theaccumulating wealth he had produced. WE are the same we don’t know what thenext day will bring, so if we store up just for the future hoarding toourselves it may all be a waste. ON the other hand there is no need to keepworrying about our crops or how we are to manage, as the scripture has said “Can any of you by worrying add a singlehour to your life span?” That doesn’t mean that Jesus gave us a mandate forlaziness or recklessness, but what he was trying to encourage us to do was touse the gifts and expertise which he hasgiven us to the benefit of all. TO share what we have as well as looking afterour own needs, its not an either or it’s a both, we need to look out forourselves and also for others. So as we celebrate tonight we think of those whowill not be celebrating fruitful harvests and will not have full stomachstonight and our offering today is split between Wateraid and famine relief inour twin Diocese of Thikka in Kenya where they are having to cope with refugeesescaping the famine in the horn of Africa.

God wants us to receive His blessings but Healso wants us to share our good fortune. , that is what he commands as it saysin our reading from the OT. And when wedo so He will “will command the blessing upon youin your barns, and in all that you undertake; he will bless you in theland” and “The Lordwill make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb, in the fruit ofyour livestock, and in the fruit of your ground in the land that” But thefollowing verses charge the people then and us now to follow His commands andthat is that we love our neighbours as ourselves, that we look after others aswell as our own.

WE are blessed, but we mustn’t be complacent,we must follow God’s commands brought to us by Jesus himself, we must worshipand give thanks and praise to God and we must look after l the poor and needyas well as ourselves as a thanksgiving to God for His blessings on us.

SO beblessed, and be generous in mind and spirit and live to the praise and Glory ofGod Amen.

Rev Cate : Toilet Twinning champion

2011-10-21T15:43:00.002+01:00

Vicar Cate Edmonds has gone above andbeyond the call of duty in her mission to get people twinning their toilets. Itall started when she twinned a loo at home for her husband’s Christmaspresent. Since then she’s been on aroll, encouraging twinnings all across her three parishes.

We asked Cate a few questions to findout what it is about Toilet Twinning that keeps her coming back for more.

Introduce yourself in 30 words or less:

Reverend Cate Edmonds, Diocesan Adviserfor Education Chaplaincies and Vicar of three parishes. I’m married with twogrown-up children, have travelled extensively and hate having to use poorsanitation. But that’s only when I travel, then I come home to good sanitationand feel guilty that there are others who don’t.

How many toilets have you twinned(directly and indirectly)?

Directly I have twinned eight andindirectly another five or six, with more on the way as I spread the news.

[Through Cate, two schools, threechurches and the Old Deanery have all twinned loos, with others to followsoon.]

How and when did you first hear aboutToilet Twinning?

Through Cord mailings

What stood out to you and why did youchoose to support Toilet Twinning?

It’s immoral that women in particularmiss out on education due to lack of sanitation, and just the idea of nothaving a private place to do the most personal but basic requirements of lifeis appalling.

How have you encouraged others tosupport Toilet Twinning?

I am constantly encouraging others to dothis, for example, for secret Santas. My husband and I asked for donations fora wedding anniversary present.

Do you have any special Toilet Twinningmoments?

Yes − people think I have a toiletfetish or am just mad but it makes them take note.

What do you appreciate about Toilet Twinning?

It’s practical and, particularly withchildren, you can engage them in looking up their toilet twin online.

What’s your Toilet Twinning ambition?

That everyone in the world should haveaccess to a toilet and clean water.

2011-10-01T11:03:00.003+01:00

Sunday Story Time, On the first Sunday of each month there will be a short time of story and song at 10am before the All Ages Communion Service. This is particularly suitable for children who enjoy a good story. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy this time and then if you would like to join the main service at 10.30am you will be welcome or just come for the story time. I do hope you will join us for this fun time. For more info contact Rev Cate, 851408

Remembrance Service

2011-10-01T10:58:00.003+01:00

Achitects Conference

2011-09-20T19:27:00.000+01:00

Ourchurch was pleased to host the Diocesan Architects Conference on the 13th ofSeptember when 43 delegates were present. The subject being discussed was basedon church pews and so our location with a combination of medieval and modernpews was an ideal venue. Coffee was served throughout the day and alldelegates sat down to a knife and fork lunch prepared and served by members ofthe church.

Itwas sufficiently successful that the next day another Diocesan meeting wasbooked for about 30 people.

Shouldanyone wish to book the church for a suitable event of family gathering pleasecontact our booking secretary, Miss J Chown 01404 850513 who will providedetails of charges.

7th Sunday after Trinity

2011-08-12T21:29:00.000+01:00

Over the past few weeks we have been thinking about the Kingdom, this is often referred to as the Kingdom season, we look what Jesus has to say about the kingdom and we also look at what he was doing around the time of his teachings about the kingdom. During his teachings as he travelled around the Galilee area he was constantly being asked about the Kingdom, I wonder whether he got frustrated by the many questions, the people, like us no doubt wanted exact answers, they wanted to be given hope that their lot in an occupied country was going to improve, that they would once again become the chosen people in the land, not a people living under an oppressive invading force.

Jesus taught them gently using terminology and examples that were familiar, mustard seeds, vineyards, yeast in dough, pearls in fields etc. but still they queried and questioned. The crowds pursued this amazing man who taught so simply, they followed him wherever he went until he was worn out and wanted some peace and quiet. You can just imagine what it must have been like, moving around in the heat of the open country, people surrounding him, asking him questions constantly, every where he turned yet another face or group wanting healing and blessing and just to talk to him. Eventually it just got too much for him he needed just a short time to himself, to collect his thoughts and no doubt he needed to get some spiritual refreshment, he needed to speak to his Father in heaven, he needed time to commune with God.

So reluctantly, perhaps, he dismissed the crowds, he made his disciples get into a boat and go on ahead of him across the Sea of Galilee, so he could retreat, take himself away and give him time to recharge his batteries, to pray, to have some uninterrupted quality time with God. DO you ever feel like that? Do you ever feel you would just like to be left completely along to bask in God’s presence, or are you, are we afraid of that?

Well Jesus, went up the mountain and was at peace for just a short while, from the evening until early morning and I expect that was very early in the morning. A storm blows up as it will on land locked areas of water, quite suddenly. His disciples are being tossed and turned in the winds, are they screaming, noise carries over water? His heart goes out to his friends and he walks across the water to them, can you imagine , only ghosts could do that not a human being so they are terrified that in that short time Jesus has died, but he calls to them do not be afraid. But Peter still in shock wants to test the situation, and challenges Jesus to let him come across the water to him, so off he sets but Peter doesn’t wholly trust his faith isn’t strong enough perhaps he still thinks it’s a vision and he starts to sink, but Jesus reaches out his hand and saves him. What relief, imagine the feeling, being lifted up by Jesus.

Jesus can lift us just like that up and out of many a difficult and threatening situation we just have to have faith and listen to him. But taking time to listen is often difficult, we often only try to listen to God when we are struggling, what about Elijah he was told to go and wait for God’s word and where did he find it? In the wind, no, in the earthquake, no, in the fire, no but in the sound of silence.

We fill our lives so full with noise and work and everything else that we forget to listen out for God in the silence. So to finish this morning I would like, for just a couple of minutes for us to be silent, no words, no singing, no boiling kettles, just peace and I’d like you to imagine this, to picture in your mind that you are Peter, stepping out of the boat and let Jesus reach out and lift you, hold you by the hand.

For some of you this may be new for some of you this may be very difficult, you may even think it daft, but be brave and give it a go, just relax and enjoy basking in God’s presence and you never know the hand of Jesus may just reach out through the troubles and bustle of your lives and touch you. ……

August Letter from Rev. Cate

2011-07-29T09:05:00.000+01:00

Dear Friends,

I came across the following quotation from Mother Teresa:

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But if that drop was not in the ocean, I think the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”

I was really struck by these few words, so often a few words can mean so much more than a whole essay or even a book! When we look at all the horrors of the world that hit headlines of newspapers and fill our TV screens it can be hard to think that anything good happens in the world and can we in our own small way make any difference at all? We could become very easily defeated and think that it’s not worth giving anything a try. But that would be very defeatist. Each one of us has a very important part to play in the whole of God’s created world; we were all put on this earth for a purpose and the earth and society would be a sadder place without each one of us. That’s hard to think of isn’t it?

I love looking at pictures of the Earth taken from space, it looks so colourful but also so small and to see each one of us on that small sphere makes us think that we must be very insignificant. But we are not, we all have an effect on the people around us, on our families and friends and like a pebble dropping into a pool we cause ripples to move out and touch others. Sometimes those touches are not very positive and can have a negative effect but other times those touches contain great warmth and have amazing effects. Just think of the effect of a smile or a pleasant word from someone you weren’t expecting it from, that can lift your spirits and so the same is true the other way round when you smile or share a kind word or two it can really make a difference to how the other person feels.

Each one of us has an important contribution to make to society and we mustn’t forget that. Our families and friends and community would be lessened without those contributions, so we must continue even in our small ways to contribute in whatever way we can to our families, friends and community. God knows we are worth it!

Blessings, Rev Cate

P.S. If anyone is interested in confirmation please contact me.

Trinity 4 2011 based on Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

2011-07-29T09:03:00.000+01:00

We have seen terrible sights this week of the situation in the horn of Africa, who cannot be moved by the faces of those refugees, desperate for the basic necessities of life which we take so much for granted. As TV cameras pan round on big eyes of children, skeletal limbs of adults and the most appalling living conditions isn’t there a sense of how can this happen, why does God allow this to happen? If there is a God of love why isn’t there more love? Why is there suffering?

We hear nearer at home about murders, stabbings, abuse and all manner of activities which we would regard as evil. So where is God how does he allow such things? I came across these thoughts on our Gospel reading today.

“Jesus' parable of the weeds can serve as both an explanation of the reality of the world in which we live and a word of encouragement to those pilgrims wearied by these realities.

The core of Jesus' earthly ministry was his bold and daring proclamation that the long-awaited age of salvation had arrived. Jesus called this age the kingdom of heaven. The "kingdom" refers to the realm or sphere in which God's will is fully operational. The Lord's Prayer describes it this way: "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." For religious people in Jesus' day, kingdom language was coded speech that anticipated God fully vanquishing all evil and inaugurating for the godly a time of unparalleled peace, justice and righteousness. Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, enabled the lame to walk and cast out demons as tangible signs to the power of God's kingdom. Jesus then willingly and freely gave his own life on a Roman cross as the definitive symbol of God's victory over sin and death. Subsequently, God raised Jesus from the dead to vindicate his death and proclaim fully the victory that Jesus had won.

God's victory in Jesus, however, creates an issue that we want addressed. If God's kingdom has indeed materialized in Jesus' life, death and resurrection, how do we explain the ongoing persistent presence of suffering, injustice and evil? Moreover, why do bad people continue to wreak havoc relationally and socially? Why are God's people still exposed to the very realities that Jesus' life, death and resurrection defeated?

The goodness of God's kingdom

Jesus wants us to make no mistake in receiving his words. God's kingdom is good and wholesome. It is the ultimate reality and worth whatever the cost. In two short parables following our scripture lesson, Jesus likens the kingdom to a treasure hidden in a field and to an exquisite pearl. It is vital for us as Jesus' followers to be confident of the intrinsic worth of the kingdom.”

When we see suffering, when we ourselves suffer it can be hard to have faith in the Kingdom of God. Where is it? Why haven’t we got it here now? We live good lives , we try to live according to God’s laws etc. Unfortunately it’s not quite as simple as that. Our world is not perfect, we are no perfect, we make mistakes, they can be very small and have little consequence on anyone except ourselves or they can be much larger, but all our actions have consequences in some way. WE have free choice to go one way or another. WE have to try as Paul writing to the Romans is encouraging them to live in the spirit, to live in the spirit of love and hope and faith- think of the last verse of 1 Corinthians 13, faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love. If we strive to live in these 3 we are working towards building the kingdom. But unfortunately we lapse at times and others may not think the same way as us. We can become weeds and we can be effected by weeds around us. But we have the assurance as Jacob did in following God’s commands to leave his home and familiar existence, we have the assurance that God is with us; “ I am the Lord ........ I will not leave you.... know that I am with you.. “ Words to Jacob but also words that speak to us and are meant for us today.

The Kingdom of God is worth striving for, we should not be put off, we should not be dismayed or defeated, we have to continue to work at building the Kingdom ourselves. Each of us a s Christians has that responsibility, we each can do our bit, for if we gently, with love and hope improve in some way our sphere of existence , if we strive to work for the common good with real love in our hearts then we can make a difference. We who know God’s love brought to us through Christ have a responsibility to try our very best. We shouldn’t be discouraged, we shouldn’t “ not have enough time” we have opportunities that need to be developed no matter how small. Think of the parable of the mustard seed, the smallest seed of all yet it bears enormous growth and fruit.

If we seeds don’t struggle to grow the weeds will take over and we won’t just see scenes of trials on our TV’s in other places they will be on our doorsteps. WE have a responsibility in whatever way we can in our lives to share the love of God and to work for the furtherance of His Kingdom here and in the wider world, we have the opportunity to “ shine like the sun”, so let’s have faith, let’s have hope that as we share God’s love we can and we will make a difference and be participating in the building of God’s Kingdom here on earth. Amen.

The WW1 Memorial

2011-06-27T09:23:00.000+01:00

The Lych Gate is Feniton's Memorial to the men from the village who gave their lives during WW1. Bill Knollman has prepared two pew ends ready to be carved with the names researched by Geoff Broadhurst and David Lanning. The dedication of the carving will take place during the Remembrance Day service.

Rev. Cate's July 2011 letter

2011-06-21T16:28:00.002+01:00

Dear Friends,

I expect by now all the exams are over and children and young people are feeling relieved that it’s all out of the way. The nerves have calmed down and results seem a long way off for the moment.

It is a shame that we get nervous and uptight about exams and tests from such an early age. We get nervous all through our lives about all sorts of things. I sometimes get nervous before a particularly important service. I certainly know that many of my wedding couples are extremely nervous. I have to try to put them at their ease so that they can enjoy the service, but I know for them with so many friends and family looking on it can be very daunting and of course they are making a very serious commitment.

There are many times in our lives when we get nervous and how we deal with these nerves can be very different, some people may become very quiet and withdrawn, others may become very excited, some may resort to something to calm their nerves, medication, alcohol, even chocolate. Some nerves are short lived and some last much longer. We often find that to hold onto someone or something can help, just think of the little ones who grasp on securely to a teddy or blanket or a hand. As we grow up it’s not quite so easy to grab onto something to give us courage and hold off the nerves.

So how do we manage? Breathing is important, there are times when we feel anxious and nervous and then take a deep and it does help us feel more relaxed. Jesus, when his disciples were worried and confused after his death and resurrection, visited them and breathed on them, he breathed on them the Holy Spirit and they we reassured. We too can be reassured of God’s presence with us, his Holy Spirit is there for all of us, we can’t see it we just have to have faith that it is there and we will, if we breathe it in, feel peace. In a pictorial sense we put our hands in the hands of God we can overcome our nerves, we may still be anxious but the nerves can be calmed by trusting in God. We have that promise given to us by Jesus.

People are skeptical but it might just be worth trying the next time you feel nervous, take a deep breath and remember that God is there for you and you may well find an inner peace.

Every blessing, Rev Cate

PS If anyone is interested in exploring confirmation or just exploring faith please contact me.

Trinity Sunday 2011

2011-06-21T16:19:00.000+01:00

What do you do when someone asks you an awkward question? Do you answer them quickly but briefly and hope you can satisfy them with a short answer? Do you pause thoughtfully, look pensive and then come out with an erudite answer which amazes everyone or do you take the politicians stance and answer with something totally different but what you wanted to say? Do you ever own up and say I don’t know? I don’t think we are very good at doing that are we? I think quite often those of us who may be are supposed to know the answers in church will bluff our way through something rather than confess they don’t know.

For some of us one of the difficult questions is the whole matter of the Trinity, how to explain something which is almost unfathomable.

However, I am a bit complacent, I don’t find it unfathomable, I can accept it as all part of the amazing mystery of our faith. God, the divine, the omnipotent, the almighty, the name almost too great to be spoken is, for me just that, almost beyond understanding. God is the creator of our world whether you are an evolutionist or a creationist, God is within and without, around us and above us, God is! We see His works all around us, we can feel His presence with us, if we try and we can hear His voice though scripture, through prayer, through others and most simply and importantly through the words and actions of Jesus.

Let us just pause for a moment and look at the short collect set for today on our newsheet:

“Holy God, faithful and unchanging: enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your truth and draw us more deeply into the mystery of your love, that we may truly worship you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever.”

This prayer refers both to truth and mystery somewhat contradictory but that is what are faith is about, truth and mystery. We know the truth. In law the truth would be backed up with facts and evidence but our truth is supported by mystery. There are questions which, we can’t get total proof for, not matter how hard we quest and that of course is where faith comes in. There are concepts which are hard to fathom and make us scratch our heads, but we have to trust in God and the message, brought to us by Jesus Christ himself and pray that the Holy Spirit will guide and strengthen us.

Now that in itself brings us to our quandary for today, Trinity Sunday, when, after we have celebrated Jesus death, resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, and what exactly was that? We celebrate the amazing mystery of the Trinity. How do we approach this, what can we say about this concept which can be confusing for many; God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

I have heard it said that some people of other faiths get very confused by this and think that we have 3 Gods. They don’t understand that it is different ways of relating to the one omnipotent amazing but mysterious GOD.

I have to admit it’s not been a concept that I have ever really struggled with, it has always to me seemed quite straight forward, but this may well be the simplicity of my faith. It is however something which can be difficult to explain to many particularly children. How can this God who we often image in human form be split up or interpreted in different ways?

How do we describe a clover leaf, or H20. A clover leaf has 3 parts but each part makes up the leaf. Water can be in 3 states ice, steam, liquid, these are part of God’s creation so therefore it is not inconceivable that God too can be in states but still the same.

God the creator, who is all around and above needed to communicate more directly with us mortals, he sent his son Jesus, how else could this be defined, Jesus who was human and divine in order to communicate effectively with us. He experienced our lives but he brought God directly into our midst and took us directly to God. But being human he could not live for ever and as a human returned to the source, to God but having formed a loving relationship with us sent us something to keep us going, the Holy Spirit. We can’t see it, we can’t smell it, but we can feel it, we can experience closeness with God through it, we can be strengthened by it.

Our O T reading today talks of us gaining strength by the power from the creator, strength that we might fly like eagles. Our New Testaments make it much clearer, Jesus commanding His disciples to baptise in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and those words from Corinthians which we use so frequently when we share the grace. Do we listen to what we are saying:

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion (fellowship) of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.”

What more do we need, what further explanation do we need? The Holy Trinity is there to love us, to guide us and to support us, what more do we need than God in 3 persons blessed Trinity. Amen

Open Church Coffee Morning

2011-06-17T09:08:00.003+01:00

Thank you to everyone who came to our Help for Heroes coffee morning in our beautiful church on 11 June. It was a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the renovated building, bedecked with bunting, and to enjoy a chat over a cup of coffee. We raised just over £300 for H4H which will be sent off to help them continue their amazing work.

Diana Couzens

The next date for Open Church is 20th Aug 2011, we are looking for a group or persons to come forward to organize this, suggestions please.

Sunday After Ascension 2011

2011-06-06T18:34:00.001+01:00

Have you finished eating up all your Easter eggs and chocolate from Easter, I expect you did a long time ago unless you are very good and controlled or you received so much you have had to ration yourself- actually I think I may have one or two chocolates left but they’re the ones I don’t like! So to many Easter is a long way away, in fact we’ve had 2 bank holidays since then. But actually in the church the season of Easter has not quite finished, in fact it finishes next Sunday on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples gathered in the Upper Room.

In fact there are 50days of Easter not just the few we think of. The Easter story is not just hot cross buns and Easter eggs. The Easter season starts on Easter Day the new life, for that is what Easter is all about, in the risen Christ. We can’t just take the bits of Easter that we like; we have to take the whole package. We have to have the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus to make a complete story and we have to have Pentecost- Whit Sunday as it has become to fulfil the promises of Jesus that He wouldn’t leave us without a guide.

On Thursday we celebrated the ascension of Jesus, the account we have heard in our first reading today, what an astounding occurrence, what did Jesus’ disciples think? Confusion? Jesus was nailed to the cross and died a horrible death, then he rose from the tomb and kept appearing to them in all different situations, even cooking breakfast for them one morning. No doubt they were getting used to having Him around with them again, but he had said some odd things about going to His Father and sending someone to be with them. Then He takes them out to their favourite place on the Mount of Olives and then before their very eyes disappears- how amazing! I am sure they thought, what is going on? But together they go back to Jerusalem and there do as Jesus had requested waited. They stayed together, they prayed together, just as we will be praying together today. I wonder what they prayed?

In our prayers today we will be praying for Katie-Marie and her family, we will be asking for an outpouring of God’s love through the Holy Spirit to be focused on her, we will also be praying for the needs of ourselves and the world, doing just what Peter in his letter we heard this morning said: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” We hope and pray that as Katie- Marie grows up that her parents and Godparents will help her to understand this very important message.

Prayer is important throughout our lives not just at Baptism but everyday of our lives. In the Gospel reading we even see Jesus praying to God before He returned to God , He asked God to help and protect us all. Today we pray that too, we pray for our protection and guidance and especially we pray for Katie - Marie’s, and as the water is poured over her head we know that God’s Holy Spirit enters her and that His love, brought directly to us the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, will be with her always.

Jesus ascended into heaven and His disciples waited for the Holy Spirit we too can receive the Holy Spirit again and again as we open ourselves up to God through Jesus. The seasons may change but God love brought to us through Christ never Changes and we can be renewed daily by His Holy Spirit if only we open ourselves to Him. Amen

Cadaver Talk

2011-06-04T22:07:00.000+01:00

Feniton Church kindly hosted a talk on Cadaver tombs for the Feniton History Group

The tomb here in the church, albeit unknown, is thought to be of the finest quality.

For the full meeting report please use this link: Feniton History Group

Thank you to all who helped make the evening such a success, the sum of £71. 60 was raised for Church funds.

Something New!

2011-05-31T21:45:00.000+01:00

The Church and The Connection (formerly the Baptist Chapel) are working together to develop a Children and Family Activity Morning on the 3rd Sunday of each month. This will run from 10:00 am to 11:00 with a break for coffee, the families are welcome to stay for the Parish Communion, children's activity will continue for those wishing to stay.

The first session in on Sun 19th Jun. We do hope you can join us for this exciting new adventure. If you could possibly help in any way we would be very grateful.

For details please contact Rev. Cate on 851401 or Rev. Danny on 851283.

Rev. Cate's monthly letter

2011-05-22T19:22:00.000+01:00

Dear Friends,

By the time you are reading this we will have had yet another Bank Holiday, this time of the year seems full of them and then we have to wait until the end of August for the next one. It seems a long time and if we are not having any holidays ourselves in between it may seem like a long time before we get a break. There of course will be some of us who don’t get Bank Holidays anyway.

Why do we need them? There haven’t always been Bank Holidays have there? The answer is in the name holiday, is comes from holy day, a special holy festival when people were given time off from their employment to attend church, to celebrate a special day in the church’s year. So Christmas and Easter day were Holy Days when people didn’t work and then there was Good Friday and even in church schools and colleges Ascension Day, the day after Jesus had risen from the dead and been seen on earth for 40days that He went up into heaven, was also a day off to celebrate the religious festival. Of course in other cultures and faiths there are special festival when people are given the day off.

These days, the origins of holiday or holy days, has been somewhat forgotten and we tend to see it as a right, a public holiday with no connection to anything religious. However, to have time off from our usual employment, to have time to spend with family and friends is important and helps build up family and community life and that is in itself very special.

In the creation story we are told that God worked for 6 days and then on the 7^th day He rested, so we developed the idea of a day of rest. For many of us this day of rest has become, if we get one at all, a day to do something different in our week. Sometimes it is a day which is even busier than the others but perhaps occasionally it is a day to be with the family, yours or your church family and just to enjoy being together.

Holy Days were intended to be days for rest and reflection, to enjoy being with people you love and who love you and that includes God. It is a time of rest and refreshment in God’s presence and we certainly need that in today’s busy world. So try to pause sometime in your week and reflect on the joy of God’s creation in all its’ fullness.

Every blessing, Rev Cate

PS If anyone is interested in exploring confirmation or just exploring faith please contact me.

Easter 5 2011

2011-05-22T19:19:00.000+01:00

I don’t know about you but I love programmes on the TV about buying houses. I particularly like those where they buy up a house or a piece of land and you see it some months or even years later rebuilt or restored. There are wows of amazement at what has been achieved. I also like those programmes where people are looking out for a change of lifestyle and are looking for the perfect house. I wonder, what is the perfect house? I’m sure we all have a picture in our minds of just that, you may be fortunate to be living in it just now. I think mine would be a self cleaning house, a place where no dust or dirt ever sticks!

Our reading from John’s Gospel talks about God’s house, what sort of picture do you get in your mind when you think about God’s house? Last week we were thinking about being drawn into the sheepfold, drawn towards the shepherd who leads us and we know his name, so is God’s house a bit like a sheep fold?

I think of the sheepfold as us here on earth doing the work obeying the shepherd and following his commands. In doing so, he gathers us in and protects us even when we are rebellious and try to stray, he gently leads us back to the fold. But the illustration of God’s house is different, because Jesus the shepherd is telling His disciples that he goes there ahead of them and us, He in fact is doing the work. He is the cornerstone.

Our reading of the letter of Peter talks of building and Jesus being the cornerstone of any building. Peter was writing to followers, new Christians who were dispersed across a wide area in Eastern Turkey and beyond. He was writing to people who had heard the Good News of Jesus but were in small developing pockets. People who needed encouragement to grow in their faith whilst in the midst of unbelievers. It makes me think that it’s not much different from today. As worshipping Christians we are in the midst of many unbelievers. We live amongst much criticism of religion and much prejudice that at times we find it hard to stand up for our own integrity. We too need the encouragement as those early Christians did, we too need as Peter states to believe that; “whoever believes in him will not be put to shame”. We need to fully accept and appreciate that we have been called out of darkness into His marvellous light. But it isn’t a calling that happens once, it is a constant calling and building up, with Christ as the cornerstone of our lives, not an added extra which we respond to when we feel like it, when we have time, but an integral part of us.

Light is very important to us, those programmes about houses invariably discuss light, there are comments like; “oh I love the light in this room” or “ no this isn’t for me there’s not enough light,”. So if light is so important in our houses can the same importance be put on the light of Christ in our lives?

Well, what of God’s house will there be much light there? Our concept of heaven is a place of light, because we have the imagery of hell being a place of darkness and gnashing of teeth. But how do we really visualise this? I think it’s actually beyond the conception of our minds, we know since we have had space travel that heaven isn’t just above the clouds as many for hundreds of years have thought. For some this may disprove the concept of heaven or even God, but I think not. We are thinking in purely human 3 dimensional terms and we know through Christ that God is soemthing else, that His spirit is all around and within us, we just have to recognise it. But He is around and within us in a way which is beyond our understanding. So when we wrestle with the concept of God’s house, when we put our human imagery on the words we in fact are restricting it. Then we need to look at the words of Jesus again, those 1^st 3 verses are so powerful; “‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe* in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?* And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.”

What an amazing statement, Jesus reassuring His disciples and us that after His death we will not be alone the shepherd will still be there looking after his sheep, the sheepfold will be different, it will have had a “makeover”, but it will be there for us.

But finding our way to any new place is often difficult, so we need instruction and Jesus simply explain that He is the WAY, TRUTH and LIFE, following the way of Jesus, the way he lived his life, living in the truth of the love of God gives us life not just earthly but spiritual and heavenly life as well.

In these TV programmes, often shown on a channel called “LIVING”, we look into peoples’ houses, we see shells of life, we may see warm homes but when we look to God’s House we see, as Paul states in our reading from Acts, Jesus in all His glory sat at the right hand of God. That gives us the energy, the encouragement, the Spirit to, in the words of Peter; “ to let ourselves be built into a spiritual house.” That is to let God’s love and the Good news of Christ Jesus shine forth in all that we do and rejoice in the knowledge of our eventual dwelling place with God. Amen

2011-05-22T16:35:00.000+01:00

Thought I should share Jill's comments with you all.

Hi Christine,

Well I just wanted to thank you for sending to me the Feniton Church write up.

I was very surprised and very impressed with the most professional way in which the write up enlightens you on the hard work which is being done and the delightful benefits it will give the whole community young and old. The Church has always been the centre of any communities,as they say build a church and you will form a village family,and from this a way of life to sustain true friendships and comfort though all walks of life.

Hope fully you will give the church records a new life by publishing them in your blog, to allow your church new deep meaning of belonging all round the world and extend a hand of fulfillment to all people looking for there roots and knowing where they come from.

I send this with all my love and keep up the good work.

Jill xx

Easter 4 2011

2011-05-18T09:13:00.001+01:00

I came across this account the other day :

"Two men were called on, in a large classroom, to recite the Twenty-third Psalm. One was a published orator trained in speech technique and drama. He repeated the psalm in a powerful way. When he finished, the audience cheered and even asked for an encore that they might hear his wonderful voice again. "Then the other man, who was much older, repeated the same words--'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want...' But when he finished, no sound came from the large class. Instead, people sat in a deep mood of devotion and prayer.

"Then the first man, the orator, stood to his feet. 'I have a confession to make,' he said. 'The difference between what you have just heard from my old friend, and what you heard from me is this: I know the Psalm, my friend knows the Shepherd.'" Sermon notebook

Food for thought do you know the Good Shepherd. We come together today as Paul says in Acts to “devote ourselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Is that how we feel? I am sure we come for fellowship and hopefully for prayer but what of the teaching?

Each on of us is called in some way by God though Jesus the Good Shepherd, each one of us is His sheep but do we recognise His voice, do we respond to His call or do we just follow like sheep without thought, without realising what it means to be called? Harsh words perhaps but words we need to think about.

We are called each one of us in different ways because we are different people, and what are we called for. We are called to hear God’s voice through Christ, to learn from His teachings and to share those teachings by word and deed in the world, to share the Good News of God’s love in everything that we do. How do we do that? Sometimes it means a sacrifice, sometime we have to sacrifice a principal, sometimes we have to compromise, sometimes we have to give way to the needs of others, Jesus did on the cross so we can. We have to remember His humility and emulate it. Hard words which may seem harsh.

There are other harsh words in our reading this morning from Peter and these words can be read in different ways; “endure when you are beaten,”. Peter was talking to slaves to encourage them and give them strength when he was unable to do much else to help them. He compared their suffering to that of Christ and how He endured all the pain for them and for us. He was the shepherd that endured much for his sheep. But He also was a shepherd who in his mastery of His sheep was gentle; he certainly did not beat them.

Jesus used the analogy of the shepherd and the sheep to illustrate the closeness and bond between the shepherd who loved and protected them and the sheep’s response. “The sheep hear his voice……… the sheep follow him because they know his voice”.

Jesus wants us to follow Him to follow His teaching to actually listen to His voice and when we do there is joy, there is security, there is peace. The shepherd protects his sheep when he calls them; he holds them in the sheep fold. We too are held in the sheepfold, but it’s not an oppressive holding it is a holding in love.

As Christians we are called to listen closely to God through Jesus Christ and to know His voice. Do you like my quotation I started with know the Psalm or know the shepherd? If you know the shepherd you will want to devote yourselves, as Luke records in the Acts of the Apostle, to the apostles teaching, fellowship, prayer and the breaking of bread. In our busy lives you may think that we don’t have time for this, but as Christians who hear the Shepherd’s voice and follow Him we should make it our first priority, for when we truly know the Shepherd we will find that Jesus the Good Shepherd’s words will come true and we will have life, and the trivia, the irritations of our lives, the things we get worked up about will seem far less important and we will want to live lives reflecting Gods glory and love. Amen

Antiques Road Show - Friends of St. Andrew's

2011-05-11T16:52:00.000+01:00

Thank you to everyone who supported us on Saturday 7^th May at our Antiques Roadshow Supper in the Church. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves. We had a full house and we would like to give our grateful thanks to Charles and Lucy Lanning for their time given to value so many items. I hope many of you had some good surprises.

Thank you also to all those who so kindly gave food and prizes – it was very much appreciated. The total raised was £922. Val Stringer.

Malherbe Talk 6th May 2011

2011-05-09T11:50:00.000+01:00

Feniton Church kindly hosted a talk on the Malherbe family for The Feniton History Group.

This family held the Manor of Feniton from 1146 until 1555. At one time the village was known as Finneton Malherbe. It was a very interesting evening and to have a talk on a medieval family in a medieval church was perfect. The re-ordering of Feniton Church has provided the community with a versatile venue. Thank you to all who helped make the evening such a success, the sum of £146 was raised for Feniton Church.

Feniton History Group

Easter 3 2011

2011-05-08T15:54:00.000+01:00

“Almighty Father, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give us such knowledge of his presence with us, that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life and serve you continually in righteousness and truth;”

This is the Collect, the special prayer for this week. Jesus gladdened the hearts of His disciples when He walked and talked with them.

I have to admit that the Road to Emmaus account is one of my favourite accounts in Jesus’ appearances after His death. In fact it is an account which gives me much food for thought but also I use this account of an illustration of ministry, particularly the Chaplaincy development work which I am also engaged with.

As Christians we are called to walk alongside people to be with them in their joys and in their sorrows. AS priests and minsters we have the privilege of making this more formal at times but also of taking opportunities to walk and talk with people informally. In the formal sense we walk with people through the joys of new birth, enabling them to bring their children to baptism and thus encourage the parents and God parents to walk with the child not only physically but spiritually to walk and talk with them about God and His gift of love through Jesus. We walk with people through their spiritual development and when they want to make a commitment to God through their act of confirmation. We walk and talk with them through the preparation and actual commitment of marriage. We walk and talk with our congregations formally in our services and of course we walk and talk with people in sickness and as they near the end of their lives and eventually we walk and talk with them and their families at the point of death and final farewells.

These formal duties, if you like of priests or ministers are acts similar to the walk on the road to Emmaus, more formalised but always opportunities to be alongside of people and to listen to their story and if the time is appropriate to reveal the risen Christ to them, not necessarily in the actual breaking of bread, but metaphorically.

But it isn’t just those who are licensed to ministry who have this responsibility as I stated earlier it is the responsibility of all Christians, for we are all called to ministry, to the service of God through Christ, because ministry means just that service, so in Christian ministry it’s service to and for Christ.

If we look into the Bible we may get a clearer understanding of the ministry that each of us is called to. I’d like to share with you some thoughts I came across from Stephen Presley who was exploring A Biblical Definition of Ministry in a Technological Age.

“Greek term typically translated as “servant” or “minister” (dikonos) is found extensively throughout the New Testament. A survey of these uses of “ministry” and “service” (dikonos) in the New Testament reveals several aspects of the biblical nature of ministry.

First, ministry is personal. That is to say, ministry does not exist detached and independent of the person (or people) ministering and receiving the ministry. Luke describes how, at around the age of 30, Jesus began “his ministry.” Paul speaks of how he himself received a ministry from Christ (Acts 20:24). Beyond this, Ephesians 4:12 describes how all the members of the Body of Christ are equipped for service or ministry for the sake of the community. Thus, we cannot escape the fact that ministry is personal and, in some sense, conferred upon people by God.

Second, ministry is interpersonal. Ministry does not flow uniformly from subject to object; Paul does not only minister to the churches of the New Testament, but receives ministry from them as well (Romans 1:12). Scripture consistently relates the notion that ministry involves interaction. This is emphasized by the simple fact that “ministry” and “service” are translations of the same Greek term. To minister is to serve another, as evidenced in Matthew 23:11: “… but the greatest among you shall be your servant.”

Third, while ministry involves people, the content or purpose of ministry is the communication (in word and deed) of the gospel (2 Corinthians 9:13, Colossians 1:23, 1 Peter 4:10). Just as Christ has reconciled us to himself, we also have the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18), where God uses us to reconcile the world to himself through Christ. Naturally this may include a host of different ministries, but the point to emphasize, as Paul does in 1 Corinthians 12:5, is that “there are varieties of ministries, but the same Lord.” Therefore, amid the diversity of people ministering, the content of ministry centers upon the gospel of Jesus Christ and everything that message entails.

Fourth, ministry is hard work. We know Christ’s ministry was not warmly received by everyone, and neither was Paul’s, for that matter (2 Corinthians 11:23). This is why Paul implores Timothy to fulfill his ministry even in the face of hardships (2 Timothy 4:5). If the ministries of Christ, Paul, and others were demanding, why should we expect anything different in our ministries? To be sure, ministry can be joyful, but we should not mistake this joy for the absence of hardship (2 Corinthians 4:1).

Drawing these aspects together, a biblical definition of “ministry” might be defined as: a personal commission from God that labors toward the reconciliation of others to Christ through the gospel.”

So let’s reflect back to the colect I started with, “Almighty Father, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give us such knowledge of his presence with us, that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life and serve you continually in righteousness and truth;”

Have we and are we gladdened with the sight of the risen Lord, are we aware of His presence with us today, yesterday and tomorrow? Do we feel strengthened and sustained by His presence with us? I sincerely hope so. If we do we will be strengthened to service Him. We can serve him in many ways but the illustration of the walk to Emmaus is a particularly good model, example for us to follow. To be with people to listen to their story and when the time is right, share our story, our experience of the risen Lord and we may well find in doing so we reveal the risen Lord to those around us. This is all of our ministries so enjoy the walk, be strenghthened by the Holy Spirit and as you continue on your spiritual journey be aware of those who you are walking with and share the Good News. Amen.

Rev. Cate's Easter Addresses

2011-05-07T17:39:00.069+01:00

Easter Day All Ages
What do all these have in common?

The Donkey

The Palm

Empty Egg - Disappointment

A Chicken

The Donkey carried Jesus into Jerusalem people pleased to see him.

People waved palms then turned against him and put him to death on a cross .

He was buried in a stone tomb with a big stone over the front. 3 days later friends went to tomb to dress his body with spices but shock. The TOMB was EMPTY- disappointed! NO JESUS is alive and is still with us. Chicken represents new life, new life we have in Jesus as He brought God’s love directly to us.

Easter Day 2011

“Again you shall take^* your tambourines, and go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.” Jeremiah 31

That’s what today and the weeks of the Easter Season are all about, rejoicing that Jesus was not confined by the tomb but rose from the dead, that nothing on this earth could keep in the power of Christ and so in this time of rejoicing we must; “⁵Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” Colossians 3. Unfortunately in the commercialisation of Easter it is hard to do just that. We are bombarded by images not only of eggs, chicks etc but by the pressure to go out and spend, spend, spend on new sofa’s, beds, kitchen equipment etc. How does this come into the celebration of Easter?

Several years ago when I was a University Chaplain I was fortunate to have an Easter off, as I was not needed to cover a service locally. It was an opportunity to do something different. Paul and I were invited by friends to spend Easter with them in a quiet medieval hilltop village in the Languedoc region of France (OLargues, at the foot of the Espinouse mountains about halfway between Toulouse and Montpellier) On Maundy Thursday we made our way to Bristol air port for the flight to Toulouse, great hustle and bustle at the airport, people with skis, people jetting off to the sun for their Easter break, nothing Holy about this gathering of expectant travellers, nothing of the awe and mystery about that special day when the first Lord’s supper was celebrated. My worries were where was I going to celebrate Easter, where would I find a Lord’s supper ?

Driving form the airport in Toulouse we wound our way up into the Espinouse mountains, looking up at high peaks and medieval villages perched high up, remnants of religious war and persecution between the Roman Catholic church and the Cathars, a newer and rather heretical tradition which was a threat to the mainstream church. Stories of massacres and religious atrocities abound in these villages, what had happened to God’s love where was the Good News? I was hoping that there was going to be a church I could attend in the village we were staying in. On arrival I found it and the notice board for clues to services etc. The following morning I made my way at midday to the large church for a service, to my dismay all was locked up, I later found out that the service was in another village, however looking around I found a small chapel, almost underground and this was open. Going inside into this musty almost cavern like chapel it was obvious this was a place of worship, basic, but prayerful. I sat down and did my own solitary reflections before the cross. No one leading me or me leading anyone else, just peace and quiet, me concentrating on the cross.

Well what to do for Easter day, I didn’t want to make the same mistake. So we more accurately found out times and places. Easter Day came, I got up early while everyone else was asleep, I remembered those at home who would be celebrating with sunrise services, I climbed the hill above the village to the bell tower, the last remnant of the medieval fortification and with wonderful views of the countryside an ideal place to marvel in God’s creation. The air was pure; all was quiet except for the birds and the sound of the river below. I sat on a rock, hard beneath me, was this like that first morning when Mary went to the tomb? I knew what I was coming to but did she? She thought she would have to find someone to remove the stone, one of the guards perhaps but no, the stone was rolled away, Jesus was gone! What shock, what horror, she must get help, so she ran, ran back to those she knew. What did they think, Simon Peter and the other disciples, was she mad? So they ran, ran headlong without pausing, without thinking only to find just the grave clothes. They ran headlong, like us as we often run headlong into our special festival, without stopping to reflect or reason. What did they find? Emptiness and confusion is that what we find when we make it to Easter Day?

But what of Mary she returned to the tomb and unlike the others who went home upset, confused, angry, in turmoil, she stayed in the quiet of the garden, she paused, looked around her and into the tomb and saw angels, messengers from God. Do we give ourselves time to see angels or receive messages from God? Mary receiving the message turned and saw a man, no doubt she was frightened, it must be the gardener, should she be there? But in her fright and upset she demands to know what has happened to Jesus and Jesus gently calls her name, Mary and instantly she knows Him, Master!

Wow what a moment, we too can have moments like that when we stop and listen to Jesus calling our name. But Jesus told her to do something, she had to share this Good News that Jesus was alive, had risen from the dead. She had to go back to her people to her home and share the Good News not keep it to herself. She had to celebrate the empty tomb and the risen Lord. But going back she was never to be the same again, life was going to be different, life had changed, the empty tomb was to make a great difference, her encounter with the risen Lord would make everything different.

What then has the empty tomb to do with buying of sofas and beds at knockdown prices? They are the earthly things.

Will an encounter with a fantastic bargain really change your life? I think not.

As I sat on that rock reading through once more the account of that marvellous morning I set my mind on things above and I was filled with excitement once more, I felt filled with God’s love, that He loved us so much that He sent His son to suffer and die for each one of us, but that wasn’t the end but just the beginning, the beginning of our closer relationship with God though Christ. A relationship which needs us to run towards and embrace it and not be distracted by sofa’s and beds or even chocolate.

Today is a great celebration Jesus is alive and walks and runs with us, our meeting with Him changes us, our remembrance and celebration of His rising from the dead should change us again and again, are you willing to be changed, are you going home just a little bit different than you were?

When I walked down from the bell tower, I was changed once more, the joy of Easter was even clearer as I sat there in the quiet without the commercial trappings, I was lucky to have that space and time to do that, but we can as we concentrate this morning on that encounter with the risen Lord and we can be changed.

So we rejoice in this wonderful day, we join with family and friends and we feast, that’s fine but behind all that let’s not forget the New Life which Christ has brought to each one of us, the unconditional love of God. Amen.

Easter 2 and Escot Patronal Festival 2011.

What a weekend it has been so quickly after Easter we are flung into more celebrations Royal wedding, I’m sure whether we are great Royalists or not we all enjoy a good wedding and seeing people enjoying themselves and hoping and praying for a happy future for a young couple. There are other things that go alongside of that, we no doubt like to look at the pomp and ceremony, I have to admit we do it well, and then there are all those fashions to look at. Amazing hats etc. But what I also like, what I get a sense of satisfaction from is that 2 billion people were actually watching an act of worship, because that is what a wedding is, an act of worship with a difference from today , but no less a celebration and a praising of God.

In the wedding service on Friday there were a lot of prayers, there was scripture, there was singing God’s praises, how many of you who watched couldn’t help joining in with the singing? I encouraged the children at school, when I took their school service on Thursday, to join in with the Lord’s Prayer when they watched the wedding so that they too could be a part of the service. The service had a focus love, but it was God’s love that was being celebrated that he gives to each of us and that we share with those around us and particularly share in marriage, and for that time of the wedding service we focus our love from God onto the happy couple, whether they are Royalty or not. Today we continue to celebrate God’s love brought to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We celebrate today Easter 2 and St Philip and St James to whom this church is dedicated. This year the Patronal Festival comes so quickly after Easter so we are confused as to which readings to use, readings for Easter 2 or the Saints. I have chosen a combination of the 2. The reading from Acts is important to read today, Peter is explaining to a restless unconvinced crowd; “ * listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth,* a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— 23this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. 24But God raised him up, having freed him from death,* because it was impossible for him to be held in its power” Acts 2

Peter is declaring loudly that Jesus was alive, that all His teaching had come true, that Jesus was not just an ordinary man but that He was sent by God part of God and therefore we should pay even more attention to His teachings for they came from God.

Our second reading from Ephesians is one of the readings set for St Philip and St James today is entitled the Spiritual Blessings in Christ and here Paul writing to the Ephesians reiterates that through the death and resurrection of Jesus God’s love is brought directly to us. If we had had the Gospel set for Philip and James we would have read this verse; “’ ⁹Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” John14:7 Even those close friends and followers of Jesus had doubts , they didn’t understand exactly what Jesus was going on about, how were they going to find their way to God, the God that they had been previously taught about was a God removed, distant, judgemental, often harsh, a God that wouldn’t let them close and now Jesus was saying the opposite that we all can get into God’s presence through Him. No wonder Philip doubted and that brings us to our next doubter that we read about in our Gospel, Thomas. Can we imagine the scene, there the disciples are gathered in the Upper Room, consoling each other, going over the events of the past few days and suddenly Jesus appears to them and say “Peace be with you”, in other words don’t be frightened it’s really me. For some reason Thomas was not there, we can only surmise where he might have been. But on his return he is told of the appearance of Jesus and in his annoyance and disbelief he responds, “‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’” We can almost feel him stamping his feet, he has ignored all that went before, all the teachings of Jesus because he hasn’t experienced Him face to face. Is that a bit like us? Just because we can’t physically touch Jesus, we don’t have absolute, concrete proof of His existence then we can’t believe in Him.

What we do have however is proof of the effect of Jesus, proof of how God’s love can transform, proof of how love encourages develops and brings the best out in people. There is a poem by Dorothy Law Nolte- Children learn what they live, the last lines are “ IF children live with love around them, they learn to give love to the world.” We know that if we truly live in God’s love, that love brought to us by the death and resurrections of Jesus, so that never again will we be separated from that love, if we truly live in love and share that love, the world around us will be a better place and there will be peace.

The Bishop Of London in his address on Friday spoke of Peace Joy and Love, in fact he must have borrowed that address from me as only earlier that morning I too had written a wedding address with those 3 words in it as the focus. Our celebrations today at our patronal Festival are joyous we are remembering all that God has done and does for each and everyone of us, we are gathered here in peace and hope and pray that that peace will continue and grow in the world around us. We are called to share God’s love and peace and joy and to share a hope for a better brighter future for all. Philip and James went out into the world and did just that, a fine example for us. We have to decide whether we are the Philip and James’ of this world or are we the Thomas’?

Celebrations like this and the Royal wedding are opportunities for us to celebrate God’s love but we mustn’t confine them to special days, yes it was wonderful that 2 Billion people will have heard the Good News of God’s love, but will it just be forgotten and the talk of dresses etc be more important or will people just think about the message of love. We know the answer we must continue to share that Good News in word and deed so that it’s not just something which is talked about, thought about, worked on on special days but everyday of our lives. The message of God’s love demonstrated in the death and resurrection is surely something we really want to shout Alleluia about. Amen.

Rev. Cate

Songs of Praise 22 May 6pm

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Songs of Praise 22nd May at 6pm Feniton Church

If you would like a particular favourite hymn to be sung at the Songs

of Praise, we are still in the Easter Season so joyful hymns are

required, please let Cate know asap, as she is organising the service

and would like your contributions.

Please email Rev. Cate

Easter at St. Andrew's

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Easter at St Andrew’s Church, Feniton.

Easter is always a busy time, and this year was no exception at St Andrew’s. Holy Week started with a Palm Sunday Service and Baptism. Karem aged 5 was baptised and was able to make his own responses, which he did with great aplomb. Palms were distributed and waved and a joyful time was had praising God for Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, but not forgetting what this was the start of.

A service of compline with a thought provoking talk took place each evening during Holy Week and St Andrew's hosted this on Tuesday, when a group of 12 people gathered in the Melanesian Chapel to discuss, sing and pray.

Maundy Thursday was celebrated with a service of Foot Washing and Communion, remembering the Last Supper. Nearly 20 people gathered, not all though were up, for foot washing by Rev Cate, but those who did found it a very moving experience.

On Good Friday about 30 people gathered for the Walk of Witness with ages from 2-? , we walked though the village to the church carrying a heavy cross. On arrival at Church we were greeted with a welcome cuppa and hot cross buns. Then the children went off to the village hall for a film show, provided by Rev Danny. The adults remained in church for a reflective Good Friday Service of scripture, prayer and singing. A moving experience for all.

A sunny Easter Saturday was the setting for our Easter Tea Party , with Easter Hat and Garden competition. About 23 children joined us for the competition, egg hunt, puzzles, crafts and tea. We were fortunate to avoid the thunder but a great and enjoyable time was had by all. Some delightful hats and gardens were displayed and the children had a fun time. The weather was so good all activities were able to take place outside in the churchyard. After clearing up from the yummy tea, and boy didn’t we get though a lot of food! The church was set out for breakfast!

The annual Easter sunrise service was a joyful occasion, over 50 people of all ages and 6 dogs met at 6am and climbed Clappers Close to see the sunrise and welcome in Easter Day celebrating the rising of Jesus from the dead. The sun rose but it was obscured by heavy cloud but this did not spoil the beauty of the morning as we gazed across to East Hill and listened to scripture, joined in prayers and song. Having lit the Paschal Candle from the fire we trooped down to church, brought in the light of Christ into the church and enjoyed a jolly good breakfast supplied by Sheila and Co. The church decked out in blue and white checked clothes, daffodils adorning the tables looked a treat. The creamy porridge, eggs, croissant and toast washed down with tea and coffee was much appreciated.

I must say at this point that the church looked amazing throughout this Easter weekends, Maggie and her team excelled themselves with terrific floral decorations in green, white and yellow, a truly stunning display in every window and stand etc.

The church was then rapidly transformed for the 10.30am service. This service, conducted by Rev Clifton Graham the Chaplain of Exeter University, as Rev Cate was flying between Escot and Payhembury. This was a joyful service with a packed church of all ages, children had Easter puzzles etc in the Melanesian Chapel and a spiritual service of Easter communion was enjoyed by all. I think people also enjoyed having a different face from Rev Cate to lead the service.

In all the celebrations for Easter were enjoyed by a large range of people and we were able to use the church in many ways. Hopefully demonstrating to people that church can be fun as well as serious and we can worship God and proclaim the Good News of the risen Jesus in so many ways and share God’s love to the whole community and beyond. Rev Cate.

The Future

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The church building is now complete with versatile seating, improved heating and lighting, toilets, baby changing facilities so it will now become another village resource. Already an annual meeting of Church Architects has been booked to take place in the church where the work of re-ordering can be viewed. Visitors to the church have also come from many parts of the diocese who wish to see what has been done and how their churches can be made adaptable for present day needs.

One of the major concerns for the parish church in Feniton is the cost involved in making sure the village has a functioning building. The cost of maintaining the fabric is now supported by “The Friends of St. Andrews”. They plan to hold major fund raising events. For details of the Friends and to become a member Email

The Parish Church Council has to find at least £12,229 in 2011 to pay the Common Fund, this equates to £408 per year from each of the 30 regular attendees, or in weekly terms £8.00. This is over and above the general running costs.

So the stark message to the villagers is the church will close without your support.

Calling all Bell Ringers

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Well it happened on time and in Grand Style !! St Andrew's Church is open and in fine fettle. However some things are still in need of renewal and in particular the BELL RINGERS, they need new blood. St Andrew's has a fine, light ring of six bells, but for various reasons we now only have four Feniton Ringers, and two who ring here and in Payhembury. This not enough to cover illness and holidays. We need to at least double out numbers. So if you already ring or would like to learn, age is no barrier, we would be glad to teach you. Practise is weekly, day to yet to be confirmed.It would be wonderful to have a full tower for Sunday Services and Weddings.

Please contact the Tower Captain Josephine Chown, Email

Introducing the "Friends of St. Andrew's Church

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A message from the Chairman

For more than 800 years, St. Andrew's Church has been the centre of the parish around which the village has been built up and it has formed a centre for meetings during that time.

Through its doors generations of parishioners have come regularly to worship, to be baptised, married and buried. Those generations of parishioners have cared for the building so that their descendants continue to be reassured by its enduring presence.

Our generation must be ready to accept the expense of preserving this outstanding building of national interest.

I do hope you will be able to become a 'Friend' and make it possible for us to hand on this beautiful and inspiring building in good order to future generations.

Valerie Stringer

Chairman of the Friends of St Andrew's Feniton

· Preservation of the church building

· Maintenance of ancient memorials

· Encourage public interest in this valuable heritage site

· You appreciate St Andrew's Church and would like it available for everyone, now and in the future.

· You were once connected to the village and want to support its preservation

· You treasure historic and beautiful buildings

St Andrew's Church

The church is of Norman origin and was rebuilt during the 15th century. The fine 15th century roodscreen to nave and south aisle is of the Kentisbeare type, well proportioned and rich in detail, with its vaulting almost intact. The cornice is exceptional. The south parclose screen is also of beautiful design. In the chancel is a tomb with a striking and emaciated cadaver. The church guide suggests this is Sir William Fry (d. 1427), but some consider it earlier. The other interesting monument is the grave slab in memory of John Coleridge Patteson, the missionary bishop who died in Melanesia in 1871. The chapel was rededicated in his memory during 1877.

The Friends Committee

The Friends of St Andrew's is managed by a committee which consists of individuals who have strong connections with the church and/or the village and who are passionate in their aim of preserving our heritage for future generations. It reports to the Parochial Church Council of St Andrew's, Feniton which is recognised as a charity for Gift Aid purposes by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

For more information please contact

Val Stringer Tel 01404 850124

The First Coffee Morning

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The first coffee morning since the re-opening of the church following the 2008 flood was held in the church itself on Saturday 9th April 2011. The new servery and the movable pews allowed the layout of the church to be changed into café style seating which made the space very user friendly and suitable for the occasion.

It was held in aid of Water Aid which was the churches adopted Lent charity. The organiser, Mrs Lanning said it was an appropriate charity not only in its own right but appropriate as the church had found itself with too much water whilst so many people find themselves with too little. All the proceeds were given to the charity and this amounted to £318.

The church intends to have charity Coffee Mornings every other month to alternate with those run by the Village Hall so that the events do not clash. Already the date for the next one has been set for the 11^th June where the charity will be Help for Heroes.

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St Andrew's rededication 4th, 5th 6th March 2011

The church interior was destroyed by a freak flood caused by hailstones blocking drains, it affected a lot of the East Devon area on the night of 31st October 2008.

Thursday.

The team gave the church a good clean through, I had the lovely task of polishing the medieval pews. Then the servery was laid up ready to serve the drinks and biscuits for the 220 school children.

Friday.

The older children came down from the school about 11am and worked in groups around the church, with various worksheets on the stained glass windows, the graves, the images in the carvings, and then after lunch the rest of the school came down and they had a story time all about the church cat and the church mouse. Then the parents arrived for what would have been the school assembly. The children did readings all based on the word “heart”, using the spelling. The school music club sang so beautifully.

The next service was the funereal of Mrs. Nora Chipperfield, aged 96 and her burial in the churchyard.

Saturday.

The team came in and put the portable pews back in and re laid the servery ready for tea, The village gathered at the Nog Inn for the Big Parade about 1:30 pm. Some 200 or more, not that many dressed up, but we all followed the piper through the housing estate, banners from various groups and clubs held aloft, down to the church, the parade garnered another 100 or so as folk joined from the streets and houses we passed. We all crowed in to the church, where Rev Cate gave a welcome speech and blessing, Val Stringer spoke to launch the “Friends of St. Andrews” charity and we spent the rest of the afternoon chatting and serving tea and cakes.

Sunday.

The church was cleaned through and made ready for the Rededication service with Bishop Bob, Bishop of Crediton. He is a lovely man and wondered all around the church greeting folk and talking to all during his address, all very relaxed with laughter and applause, good rousing traditional hymns. The choir struggled with the hymn tune “Feniton Court”, they did not ask the congregation to sing and I can see why it is not popular, very tricky!!!! It does not flow. The churchwardens were thanked for all the hard work, as was Rev. Cate, all very emotional. Then we set to and served the finger buffet.

The pews were then all turned to face the font ready for the christening of young Isaac, his family waited until the church re opened to hold the event. He is a school boy now and did a reading at his own christening

Then it was back gain for Evensong, all very relaxed, much singing and praise. Then we served all the food left over from the lunch. I don’t want to eat any more cake for a while.

A wonderful weekend was had by all. We very much hope the village will come back and help keep the church in the main stream of village life.