Dear Friends in Christ,

I sit writing this at the beginning of Holy Week surrounded by all the thoughts

and emotions of that special time. Seven days from now we shall have

recalled both the blackest, darkest day for mankind and the brightest and

best. Good Friday and Easter Day.

During the forty days of Lent and Passiontide we have spent time in our

varied range of Lent courses trying to understand the great depth of love that

Jesus has for all mankind, and how unworthy we are to receive that love.

We now have forty days between Easter and Ascension Day (25th May) to

experience the presence of the Risen Jesus living and walking with us. For

those first disciples, nothing would ever be the same again, nor will it be for

us!

During those days following the resurrection Our Lord appeared many times

and many places. He appeared to Mary Magdalen in the garden early in the

morning of Easter Day, to the disciples on the road to Emmaus in the

afternoon, in the upper room in the evening. In the days to come he was to

appear many more times sometimes to large crowds, at other times to small

groups or individuals.

As time went on those first disciples began to realise that their risen Lord was

effectively with them at all times, wherever they happened to be. After forty

days had passed Jesus called the disciples to meet with him on the mountain

in Galilee, he had previously promised to send the Holy Spirit to be with them.

Now he was to give them that great commission – to go into all the world

making disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of Father, Son and Holy

Spirit. He then ascended, disappearing from their sight returning to the Father.

Ten days later, on the day of Pentecost the promised gift of the Spirit was

fulfilled and the Church was born.

As we move through this month of May, if we have successfully drawn closer

to Jesus through our Lenten devotions, we may become more aware of his

presence with us.

In quiet times, perhaps by ourselves in the morning or evening; maybe when

we meet socially with a small group of friends or when we meet together as

the Church in worship. If we really try we may become aware of his presence

with us, in us and around us in the busiest or most difficult moments of life, at

work or play.

After all Jesus did say “I will be with you to the end of the age”, and the Holy

Spirit is with us too!

May God Bless you in the remaining days of Easter.

Ron Edinborough

Christian Aid week: 72 years of refugee care

Christian Aid has been working for

refugees since 1945 and the special week

itself was set up 60 years ago supporting

the displaced from World War 2.

Today the organisation is appealing

again to relieve suffering and help build

a world where everyone has a safe place

to call home.

Tens of millions across the world are fleeing war and conflict and making

horrendous journeys in search of safe haven.

Last year nearly a million crossed into Europe and Nejebar from Afghanistan

said: “Anything and everything in our country was a threat. They were putting

bombs into the trees and roads.

With borders closed across Europe Nejebar and thousands of others are

stranded – in urgent need of help.

Christians have responded down the years and will again, organising events,

lobbying politicians and inspiring others to do the same.

We know the conflict that drives this terror is not what God wants for his

world yet the Bible is full of stories where people are fleeing and seeking

sanctuary. Again and again we read of God's concern for the stranger in the

land.

Christian Aid believes it's time governments acted equitably and for all

citizens to love the global neighbours so that human suffering is ended.

Let's celebrate Christian Aid's amazing work down the years this week and act

again now.

£4 could buy a food parcel for a refugee in Greece

£40 could buy three portable toilets for a camp in Greece

£132 could buy a shower for a refugee camp in Serbia.

What Can We Do In Paignton?

Paignton Sponsored silence is aiming to raise £2,000 this year.

This sum could, for example, cover the cost of equipment needed to

refurnish a small flat for a family in Athens including a stove, fridge,

washing machine, aircon/heating, 1 bunk bed, 1 bed, 1 table, 2 chairs,

kitchen utensils, while they await the outcome of their asylum or

resettlement process.

The Parish Church Christian Aid Agenda

Friday May 19:

Coffee morning in the Vicarage from 10am – 12 noon

Cakes, Bring and Buy, Raffle. Tickets £1 each.

Quiz Night in the Parish Church Hall

7.30pm ... Pasties, Wine, Mavis' Questions. Tickets £5

Volunteers required for House to House collection which is a great

way to spread the word of God and encourage people in Paignton

to support Christian Aid. A host of roads we need covering is at the

back of the church. PLEASE SIGN UP!

Other roads are available but please check with Jean Kitson so they

do not clash with other churches.

Jean Kitson

Bishop Robert's Thika message of hope

Our link with Thika Diocese, in Kenya, is part of a tripartite link between

the dioceses of Exeter, Thika and Cyprus & the Gulf. The covenant

between us was reaffirmed during Bishop Robert’s visit to Thika in

October 2016.

The vision for this link between

the three dioceses is one of

enlivening and enriching our

mutual experience of faith.

Among many things, in signing

the document the three Bishops

have committed themselves and

their dioceses to developing,

encouraging, helping and

learning from each other in new

and appropriate ministries.

They will also encourage every parish or mission community across their three

dioceses to look towards the future in which God calls them.

Bishop Robert said: “I am thrilled about this because we can learn so much

from one another. What touched me in particular from my recent trip to Thika

was that the people in Kenya have so little and what they have they share with

such joy. I have found that deeply and profoundly moving. We can learn so

much from each other as well as pray for each other. We are partners in the

gospel.”

Bishop Robert’s party included clergy, parishioners and a reader, some of

whom were visiting Africa for the first time. Bishop Michael had come with a

similar group.

The visitors took part in the monthly training day for all the clergy of Thika

Diocese and important discussions were held during the visit which included

ministerial development, discernment of vocations, relations with Muslims,

shared goals, training placements and more.

In his blog Bishop

Robert wrote:

‘Namrata Shah

Children’s Home was

established by the

Diocese in 2003 to

cater for the rising

number of destitute

children.

Currently it has 52

boys and girls,

ranging in age from

four years to

eighteen years old.

Most are AIDS orphans, but some are there because the poverty of their

family has robbed them of the opportunity to flourish.

Bishop Julius told us that the area covered by his Diocese has the highest

incidence of people in Kenya living with HIV/AIDS.

The facilities are simple and spartan by UK standards, but still a long way

away from living on the streets.

The children are well cared for and dressed immaculately. Most important of

all, they are safe and loved. Namrata Shah is a place of hope and

transformation, as street children are rescued and given a home and

education.

We drove to the small rural community of Kianjugu where CCMP (Church and

Community Mobilization Process) or Umoja has enabled the local church to

grow in confidence and self-reliance.

People discover energy for developing their community through meditating

on Scripture and Jesus’ challenge to us to be salt and light in the world,

bringing savour to what is bland, and light to situations of chaos and

confusion.

Rather than being dependent on government handouts the local people work

out needs for themselves, and this process of ‘awakening’ begins with the

worshipping community itself.

People were excited to tell their stories of transformation. ‘When we did the

first Bible study I saw that God gave all that was needed’. ‘When I went to my

home I saw how God had blessed me like he blessed Adam in the Garden of

Eden’.

Before I was relying on my very small salary. Now I am getting more income

to take my children to school and have a balanced diet even at home. From

these small things, and utilising small resources from home, my in-laws and

others in my neighbourhood have been borrowing my ideas.

Bishop Robert said that at Thungururu the party was greeted with a

spectacular display of dancing and singing by the girls from the local primary

school to the beat of African drums.

‘Local farmers brought their produce for Bishop Julius - fruits of ‘Farming

God’s Way’, a project designed to address food security’.

Farmers have been taught how to mulch the land to minimize the effect of

evaporation and to harvest the rain through water pans.

‘We were taken to a huge artificial pond they have created. Dug out by hand

and lined with silt, it is the only water supply for the entire community. In

Devon we have fresh water in abundance and easily take it for granted. Here

they raise the roof singing to the God of the Harvest who gives us not only

our daily bread but water to quench our thirst.’

To read more of Bishop Robert’s blog follow this link:

https://bishoprobertblog.wordpress.com/

Finding God's light as our resource

Light is an essential element throughout life. I notice as age creeps up on me,

I require brighter light to read at nights.

Our Chihuahua enjoys disappearing into the garden in search of hedgehogs,

so I’m grateful for an outside light that gives me a chance of locating him

when he starts barking at his quarry.

Light reveals the way forward and

enables us to locate things

previously obscured by darkness.

I first discovered God’s light as just

such a resource. It revealed to me

how I was living and exposed the

many fissures which I preferred to

turn a blind eye to and hoped I hid

from friends and family.

God’s light revealed the narrow

way, although I often skulked in

the shadows. Knowing and living

God’s way was different to my

inclination to follow my own path.

As I have learned to choose the light ahead of both shadows and darkness, I

also discern that there is an inner light within. It is the very essence of the

Divine.

Now I am invited to explore living both focused upon the world that demands

my attention, from house management to caring for Mum, and equally

dwelling with this inner divine presence.

It is this light the psalmist speaks of; the Lord who is light and is within me.

My life is not primarily about rising to serve a God-inspired moral and ethical

code. It’s about discovering the presence of God deep within, and living in

the reality of God even as I engage in everyday tasks, from the mundane to

the sublime.

This light once identified requires my commitment to develop in

understanding of how I might, as Paul writes, “pray without ceasing” (1

Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV) for I am in the divine presence 24/7.

My problem is that life can distract me away from such an awareness, at

which point I lose my clearest navigational aid to living for Christ today.

Micah Jazz. This first appeared as a daily devotional on Premier Christian News

Parish Ladies’ Group

We trust you all enjoyed a happy and joyful Easter!

We held our Annual General Meeting on 27th March. The main change to

our elected officers is that Ros Willis-Fear is taking on the role of

Secretary, and will be assisted by Christine Wills.

Ros is grateful that she will be coached in her new duties by Valerie

Stephens until the end of September when our new programme of

meetings and events begins.

Hoping for good spring weather, we will be visiting historic Compton

Castle on Tuesday 9th May, and following this with a delicious cream tea

at the nearby Castle Barton Restaurant.

Please do come to what promises to be a very interesting afternoon.

Valerie Stephens will be happy to give you full details.

Our Snack and Chat Lunch on Monday 15th May will be at the Livermead

House Hotel at 12:30pm.

We wish you all a joyful Ascension tide.

All the best.

Ros Willis-Fear

Advance Notice

The Ladies' Group is arranging a theatre trip on Tuesday June 27 when

we will be going to see: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

at the Palace Theatre performed by the Bijou Theatre Group.

Tickets will be £8.50 and are available from Jean Kitson. It is an open

event and all are welcome.

Gone bananas for God at St Boniface

Gone bananas for God – St Boniface Easter Holiday Club.

It was a joy to go Bananas for God in Holy Week at St Boniface as we put on a

Christian Holiday Club for local kids 5-11 years old. When I wrote my Easter

newsletter which goes to my prayer partners around the country, I asked for

prayer that we would have 25 children attending and on the fourth day, the

25th child registered so God answered our prayer faithfully.

From this project we have several families who we can follow up and in one

case, we see an opportunity to help practically.

Some of the best work was nurturing a vision Captain Ade and I have of

empowering young people to be leaders and we gathered a team of four

teenage lads who were given all kinds of tasks from leading aerobics to gentle

group work with younger children, prompting one of the mum’s to say, “what

you have done for my son this week has been immense”.

Captain Ade and I are running a group for young leaders fortnightly on

Sunday night at St Boniface and we will continue to create opportunities for

the group to serve God, igniting and stretching their faith.

Following our post Easter break we come back with purpose to carry on with

God‘s work and see where the next period takes us – we draw inspiration from

the likes of Gideon, Noah, Elijah and Zacchaeus who all went bananas for God

and trust we will all be given what we need to do the same.

Diary St Boniface/Foxhole

Toddlers Stay and Play (under 5’s and families) Thursday May 4, 11, 18, 25

Hot Pot Lunches May 9, 23

St Boniface Patronal Festival Weekend May 27 (strawberry tea) 28 (café church)

Kings Ash School Assemblies April 27 Year 6

Messy Church May 14th 10am-12

4:taste café church May 28

J:Tec Youth Group May 14 6.30-8.30pm

A weekly Eucharist takes place on Tuesday’s at 9.30am

A Home group including Bible study, prayer nights and mission to the

community takes place fortnightly

GOOD NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF EXETER MAY 2017

The Diocese of Exeter’s vision for growth includes a major new project, Growing the Rural Church. Established last month, the project works with rural churches and their

communities to help find creative ways to ensure growth and sustainability. The project is being backed by a £1 million grant from the Church Commissioners with additional funding from our Diocesan Synod, and aims to work with 100 rural churches over the next seven years.

Marian Carson, the project manager for Growing the Rural Church said: “We are beginning with some pilot mission communities and are planning to have one in each Archdeaconry, so that the project is more accessible to people across Devon. The project is designed to get rural mission communities to think about how they can use their church buildings in creative ways so that they can grow their mission.”

A section has been added to our website for Growing the Rural Church and it includes a link to a form where mission communities can express an interest in joining the project. Once the form has been submitted the next stage will see discussions with your mission community, Marian and your Archdeacon,

about how the project can support your vision for mission and growth. In the future this web page will be developed to include links to useful guidance and next steps in growing your mission.

Growing the Rural Church has set up a twitter page that frequently tweets about community activities across the Diocese, as well as signposting to training and events. Follow the twitter page by searching for their handle @GtRCDevon.

ial time dedicated to renewing the life of prayer in our churches. As I am going around the Diocese, one of the priorities I am talking about is the importance of us growing in prayer and so I am asking people to come together and pray together in creative and imaginative ways for their communities.”

How can you get involved? Churches and other buildings will open for prayer every day and we are hoping people will get together in creative ways to pray. This could be a 24/7 prayer event, a pilgrimage, a retreat or any number of ways. Let us know at communications@exeter.anglican.org

For prayer resource ideas visit www.thykingdomcome.global and for further details visit www.exeter.anglican.org

DEVONCHURCH OF ENGLAND

Growing the rural church

THY KINGDOM COMEPrayer events will take place across our diocese as part of the archbishop’s initiative Thy Kingdom Come. See inside for more details.

THY KINGDOM COMEThis month, from Ascension to Pentecost (25 May – 4 June) events will be taking place across our diocese as part of this year’s global wave of prayer, Thy Kingdom Come (TKC). In Exmouth, Bishop Sarah will be in the town on Ascension Day offering to pray for those she meets. Other events during the 10 days will include a prayer walk and a quiet morning and, as part of the Exmouth Festival, a prayer stop on the Art Trail.

In Plymstock & Hooe, Plymouth, a church will be open for the duration offering a variety of creative prayer stations open to all.

Diocesan Mission Enabler Barry Dugmore said: “From the initial response to Thy Kingdom Come Global, I sense that we’ll see an

amazing variety and creativity in prayer across the communities of Devon.

With prayer events in our churches and other places I think there will be a fresh sense of what God is doing, and how the Kingdom of God is growing in and through

Christians of all ages and church traditions across our county.” There is still time to get involved

and plan an event for your community. Visit www.thykingdomcome.global for details and prayer resources.

Vicar’s rough sleeping ordeal over

V icar of Goodrington and Collaton Saint Mary Gary Deighton has

finished his Lent sleep-out to highlight the issue of rough sleeping and homelessness.Gary spent some nights sleeping alone in his church porches, but was joined by

others, including three staff from Collaton school. He slept in people’s garages, when the weather got really bad, and some clergy colleagues offered to stay with him in their church doorways in Torquay.Gary Deighton said: “It is a pretty horrendous way to live. The main problem for me was

fear of something happening when I was out there. I felt like I couldn’t really relax as I needed to be alert all the time.Gary is very glad to be back in his own bed. At the time of going to press he had raised nearly £4,000 for Shekinah, a local charity helping people in recovery.

CARING WITH CAKES

T hree friends from St David’s Church in Exeter are ensuring a warm welcome to new residents at Exeter’s YMCA by baking them homemade cakes to receive

on arrival.Julia Mercer, Helen Hopwood and Moira

Dale responded to a request by their curate Christopher Durrant to get involved in the hospitality project to make the YMCA’s new young residents feel welcome and cared for.

Moira, who has also started to make handmade welcome cards, says: “I think it’s like having tea with your granny as we are old enough! But we have found age not to be an impediment. It’s a great way to engage with the young people there.” The three also join in with a group called Thirsty, run for the residents by a member of YMCA staff Tim Wells. This gives the trio another opportunity to offer their support and to be alongside the young people.

Julia adds: “I had big doubts about getting involved at the beginning as I had not done anything like it before, but it’s been a great

experience. It is lovely to be able to share my faith in a general way with them, without pressure.”

Moira adds: “Many of the young people come from dysfunctional families and are wary of adults. This is our chance to act as reliable role models for them. We listen to them and let them dictate what we are going to talk about. If we can share with them something about God and the Bible that’s great but it’s not our main aim.”

The trio, who sometimes take in photos or bible verses with them, to promote discussion, are obviously benefiting themselves from being involved in the project, as they talk animatedly about the young people and the work of the YMCA.

Moira finishes: “Some of them may have never had any homemade food or cakes before and having the handmade cards makes it more personal too. We hope they may keep the cards as they move on in their lives.”

For more on the work of YMCA visit www.ymcaexeter.org.uk

Julia Mercer, Helen Hopwood and Moira Dale with cakes to share

Diocesan Communications Unit www.exeter.anglican.org twitter.com/cofedevon facebook search diocese of exeter

DIOCESE OF EXETER

THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

IN DEVON

A ccording to the United Nations, Africa is facing its greatest humanitarian crisis in decades. More than 20 million people are at risk of starvation in South

Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and parts of Kenya. The tragedy is that this famine is largely self-inflicted, caused by endemic conflict.

I found the pictures on the news of emaciated people and children silently queuing for food and water harrowing. It brought back memories for me of my visit to our partner Diocese of Thika in Kenya last October when we went to Thungururu, one of the poorest parts of the country afflicted by chronic water shortage.

Thankfully that part of Kenya is at peace. Through a church initiative the local farmers have been taught how to mulch the land to minimize the effect of evaporation and to harvest the little rain they get through water pans. During our visit the farmers brought produce for the bishop to bless, things I had only ever seen on television like sugar cane, gourds and cassava.

I remember one farmer presented the bishop with three eggs. It was all he had. It represented the first fruits of his labour. The little that people had they shared, and they did so gladly and with thanksgiving to God. I felt humbled but also judged by their

extraordinary generosity.The farmer’s offering reminded me of

the eggs we give as presents to children at Easter. The image of a chick emerging from an egg is symbolic of the risen Christ breaking out of the tomb of death. These days Easter eggs are made of chocolate, at least in this country. But originally and still in many countries today they are hard boiled eggs. Christians decorate the shells and on Easter Day smash their egg against a neighbour’s and cry out, ‘Christ is risen!’

Our God is the One who defeats death and suffering. God is the life-giver, the One who brings resurrection life, and He summons us to do the same, and that includes bringing water and food to those who have none that they too may emerge from the shadow of death and live.

THE RT REV ROBERT ATWELLBISHOP OF EXETER

Experience resurrection life by giving

Mothers' Union News

A Totnes and Torbay Deanery meeting was held on 13th March. Our own

Branch Leader, Ruth Collop (of Goodrington Parish) led the meeting which

opened with a Prayer. Ruth chaired the meeting and has become the Deanery

Chairperson succeeding Madeline Teague who was thanked for her friendship

and co-operation during the many years she served.

Following the Mothering Sunday appeal to Make a Mother’s Day, the

Paignton Branch were able to donate £100 made up of contributions by

members and funds collected through year. This appeal supports many

mothers in many fields. Any funds the Branch holds can only be used for

Mothers’ Union projects.

Looking forward, there are a few dates for the diary.

Thursday, 16th May - a Quiet Day 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marigold Berry-Seager’s

home, Black Hall, Avonwick. This will be led by Canon Rosemary Enever, one

of our Mothers’ Union chaplains.

Thursday, 25th May – Open Garden 2.30 – 5.30 p.m. at Church Park House,

Diptford.

12th to 15th June, Diocesan Retreat Glastonbury, led by the Rev. Ian Blyde.

Cost approx. £225.

Friday, 30th June, Totnes and Torbay Deanery Cathedral Midday Prayers.

Watch this space for details of Mary Sumner Day, 9th August – in Totnes.

The Branch Corporate Communion takes place on the first Wednesday of

every month at 10 a.m. at St John the Baptist, Paignton. This service is open

to all and everyone is welcome. Come along if you wish to know more about

the work of the Mothers’ Union – in the Diocese and abroad.

Paula Christian

Secretary, Paignton Branch.

Ascension

We saw his light break through the cloud of glory

Whilst we were rooted still in time and place

As earth became a part of Heaven’s story

And heaven opened to his human face.

We saw him go and yet we were not parted

He took us with him to the heart of things

The heart that broke for all the broken-hearted

Is whole and Heaven-centred now, and sings,

Sings in the strength that rises out of weakness,

Sings through the clouds that veil him from our sight,

Whilst we ourselves become his clouds of witness

And sing the waning darkness into light,

His light in us, and ours in him concealed,

Which all creation waits to see revealed .

Prayer of the month

You are not only risen and alive, you are Lord.

This, your ascension, your ascendency over the whole universe.

You stand over and above all that is best in life, as its source.

You stand above all that is worst, as ultimate victor.

You stand above all powers and authorities as judge.

You stand above all failure and weakness and sin,

As forgiveness and love.

You alone are worthy of total allegiance, total commitment.

You are Lord,

My Lord and my God.

(Prayer written by Rex Chapman)

Don't miss this great event

The Watoto Children's Choir – who thrilled us on their last visit to the Parish

Church are returning for what will be a wonderful night of worship on

Thursday May 4 at 7pm.

The choir has travelled extensively since 1994, sharing a message of hope for

Africa’s orphans and widows. To date, the choir has toured six continents and

performed to enthralled audiences in schools, retirement homes, churches,

parliaments, state houses and royal palaces.

Each child in the Watoto Children’s Choir has suffered the loss of one or both

parents and now lives in a Watoto village. The experience of travelling in a

choir helps the children to develop confidence and boldness, as well as

broadening their world view.

Accompanied by a team of adults, the choir presents Watoto’s vision and

mission by sharing personal stories, music and dance. While on the road, the

children act as advocates for the millions of other African children who have

experienced the same heart-breaking pain and suffering as them.

Do not miss this great evening – it's so thrilling to see the love these

youngsters have for their saviour Jesus!

Picture shows the children on their last visit to the church

Sounds from the Belfry May Day Outing

It is another year, and another May Day outing for the bell ringers. It was

unfortunate that there were not enough passengers to pay for a coach

however the ringers will use their own transport for the outing planned for

the Early Spring Bank Holiday Monday 1 May ringing in and around Somerset.

If you can provide your own transport and wish to join us, please contact the

undersigned as soon as possible or catch us as we go up or down from

ringing, just before the Sunday morning service.

What do ringers do?

We are eager to help the parishioners understand about ringing. We are a

familiar part of the church and not a hidden mystery and warmly invite you

into the tower at any time to see what happens.

Learning to ring

Once gained, bell ringing is a skill for life that you’ll never forget and can

open up a lifetime of experiences and enjoyment. Learning to ring can be

broken down to a number of stages from beginner to experience ringer, and

at all stages you're helped out by either a personal tutor or other capable bell

ringers.

Stage 1 – Technique.

The first stage in learning to ring is to develop the skills to handle the bell.

That means the technique to control the bell using the rope. This is done on a

one to one basis with an instructor. For best results this stage is best carried

out intensively over a short period. It can take 6 to 12 hours, possible more. It

may be influenced by your age! As with other skills it takes a lot of practice at

first. This can be accomplished in a couple of days or in a number of sessions

over a few weeks or so.

When you have finally mastered the skill of controlling the bell and rope you

will then join with others and ring "rounds" for the first time. It is not easy at

this stage but it is the first reward for all your efforts and your first "live" ring.

Now you are part of the team!

Could you be a bell ringer?

Bell ringing is GREAT FUN and healthy light exercise!

• A unique hobby for whole families from 9 – 90

• Sociable group participation, you'll make friends for life

• A craft almost 400 years old practised throughout the British Isles and in

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Southern Africa and the USA, plenty of

scope for travel!

• Service to the Church — you will soon be able to make an important

contribution

• Lots of concentration if you like it

• Healthy light exercise, you don't need to be big and strong

• It helps if you have a sense of rhythm and reasonable co-ordination, you

don't have to be a musician!

If you want to give bell ringing a go, or wish for more information, please

contact the tower captain, John Kelly on 556208.

Unity call after terror attacks

Two Anglican bishops are among 24 UK faith leaders who have signed an

open letter calling for unity and understanding after recent terror attacks.

Bishop of Southwark Rt Rev Christopher Chessun and Bishop of Stepney Rt

Rev Adrian Newman have joined the call for all faiths to be "calm and

resolute" in the face of recent attacks in locations including Westminster and

St Petersburg.

The letter reads: "Recent attacks, such as those in Westminster, St Petersburg,

Stockholm and Egypt, are an affront to faith and each one of us condemns

them in the strongest possible terms - as barbaric acts of senseless violence.

"Now more than ever faith groups are uniting in the face of those who would

wish to sow fear and spread mistrust between the people of this country.

"These attacks seek to divide us, and together we must show them that they

will never succeed. Instead of voices being raised in anger, we will continue to

be calm and resolute."

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: "This time of year is one of hope and

celebration for many faiths.

"It is also an opportunity for us to celebrate the fact that people in Britain of

all faiths, or no faith, stand together in solidarity, united by our shared values.

"Terrorists and others who would like to divide this great nation and see us

live in fear or hatred will never succeed.

"This letter is an example of the fact that whatever our race, background or

religion, we share the same fundamental belief in the importance of tolerance

and respect for all."

Other signatories of the letter include Ayaz Zuberi from London Central

Mosque, Sanjay Jagatia from the Hindu Council of the UK and Rabbi Gluck

OBE of the Muslim-Jewish Forum. The letter continues: "Instead of

responding with violence we will continue to show respect for others and love.

You are invited to the Paignton Parish Medieval Banquet on

Saturday 24th June 2017 6.30pm for 7pm start

For tickets and further details phone Karen 07889843398 (Deputy Church Warden).

Celebrate the Patronal Festival by candlelight in St John’s, Church Street. Tickets include a Hog roast (vegetarian option available), your own piece of The Royal Chartered Paignton Pudding and featuring entertainment from The Medieval Minstrels. Period costumes optional. Themed raffle and licensed bar available on the night.

Coach Trips – Two Dates for Your Diary

Thursday 18th May 2017

Home Leigh Garden Centre, Launceston (for lunch), your choice, then on to

Roadford Reservoir (cream tea if you wish).

£12. Money taken on the coach. Cynthia 526463

Thursday 22nd June 2017

Buckfast Abbey for coffee then over the Moors to Badgers Holt for lunch

(your choice).

£11.50 money taken on the coach.

Usual pick up times - Church at 9.30am & Library at 9.45am

Cynthia 526463

Parish Registers

Marriages 22nd April 2017 Steven Wallis & Lucy Cole

In Memorium 24 January 2017 May Fenner

21 February 2017 Edward Newell

28 February 2017 Miriam Dunbavand

20 March 2017 Angela Reynolds

26 March 2017 Alan Ferrari

Calendar for May

1 Mon 9.00am Time Out: Coverdale Hall

3 Wed 10.00am Mothers’ Union Corporate Communion: Parish

Church

11.00am Mass at St Andrew followed by lunch

4 Thu 9.30am Stay & Play: St Boniface

7.00pm The Watoto Children’s Choir Concert: Parish Church

5 Fri 9.30am Stay & Play : St Andrew’s CC

10.45am Coffee at the Vicarage

7 Sun 10.00am Satellite - all age worship: Coverdale Centre

10.00am UNITED SERVICE Bishop of Exeter: Parish

Church

6.30pm Evening Prayer BCP (said)

8 Mon 9.00am Time Out: Coverdale Hall

7.30pm Bishop in Mission Visitation Service: St Matthias,

Torquay

9 Tue Parish Ladies Group Trip to Compton Castle

12.15pm Hot Pot Lunch: St Boniface

7.30pm Study Group: The Vicarage

7.30pm Prayer Meeting: St Boniface

10 Wed 11.00am Mass at St Andrew followed by lunch

11 Thu 9.30am Stay & Play: St Boniface

10.00am Study Group: The Vicarage

12 Fri 9.30am Stay & Play : St Andrew’s CC

14 Sun 10.00am Satellite - all age worship: Coverdale Centre

6.30pm Choral Evensong: Parish Church

6.30pm J:Tec Youth Group: St Boniface

15 Mon 9.00am Time Out: Coverdale Hall

12.30pm Parish Ladies’ Group Snack & Chat Lunch:

The Livermead House Hotel

2.30pm Parish Prayer Group: Parish Church

17 Wed 11.00am Mass at St Andrew followed by lunch

18 Thu 9.30am Stay & Play: St Boniface

Coach Trip to Homeleigh Garden Centre, Launceston

19 Fri 9.30am Stay & Play : St Andrew’s CC

10.00am Christian Aid Coffee Morning: The Vicarage

7.30pm Christian Aid Quiz Evening: The Vicarage

21 Sun 10.00am Satellite - all age worship: Coverdale Centre

6.30pm Evening Prayer BCP (said)

22 Mon 9.00am Time Out: Coverdale Hall

23 Tue 12.15pm Hot Pot Lunch: St Boniface

7.30pm Study Group: The Vicarage

24 Wed 11.00am Mass at St Andrew followed by lunch

7.30pm John & Charles Wesley Celebration: Parish Church

25 Thu 9.30am Stay & Play: St Boniface

10.00am Study Group: The Vicarage

7.30pm Ascension Day Sung Eucharist followed by Parish

Party at the Vicarage: Parish Church

26 Fri 9.30am Stay & Play : St Andrew’s CC

27 Sat 3.00pm St Boniface Patronal Festival Cream Tea

28 Sun 10.00am Satellite - all age worship: Coverdale Centre

4.00pm 4:taste café style church: St Boniface

6.30pm Evensong & Benediction: St Andrew’s

31 Wed 11.00am Mass at St Andrew followed by lunch

All articles for the June issue must be with the Editor, Hugh Southon,

by the 12th May. We await your contributions for the magazine we

are interested in anything that is happening within your areas of

interest please send to hugh.southon@sky.com