May our eyes be the eyes that see the poverty in our world.

May ours be the ears that hear the cries of your people.

May ours be the hands that work for transformation to bring about your kingdom on this earth.

Great God this is our prayer.

You have poured into our hearts full and free

Overflowing for all to drink and see

The lavish care of our Creator God

Designing flowers and trees, hills and streams, sun, moon and stars, creatures great and small and me

The loving God with arms outstretched to those who turn their backs and say “I need no-one”.

So he gives Himself to a cross to emphasise that love poured out.

So full, so free for you and me.

The love still flows so full and free:

The invitation stands each day to taste and see.

No rules, no bonds, no fee:

Just try, just taste and you will see.

chosen by Eileen Hooper

INCREASING numbers of families are being welcomed to the monthly ‘Messy Church’ sessions at Tavistock Parish Church.

The after-school get-togethers combine creative crafts, bible-themed activities, music and worship, rounding off with a shared hot meal.  Since the group was launched in March last year, 62 families have been welcomed, with 15 adults and 25 children regularly attending and some 50 people, including helpers, sitting down to eating together.

At the annual meeting of St Eustachius’ Parochial Church Council, vicar the Very Rev Dr Chris Hardwick said: ‘As a church we have month by month gradually increased the number of children coming to “Messy Church” – a formula for bringing all age groups together to try their hands at crafts and activities based around a simple theme and Bible story and ending in informal worship. It’s a wonderful way of allowing people to begin or renew their experience of faith, worship and church.’

Sarah Pendle, who runs the group, said since the group’s launch 13 sessions had been held, including three summer ones (“Mini Messy”) and a Saturday one.

‘There is a very dedicated team of disciples who work amazingly hard, with more than 40 people who minister in a variety of ways in “Messy Church”.’

Sessions have included the parables of Jesus, Creation, the Bible, Mountains, Joshua, Christmas and Easter. Worship is led by vicar Chris, assistant curate Steve Martin and Sally Pancheri.

Sarah said through activities children shared what they had learnt about God’s word. Singing was greatly enjoyed and during worship time prayers were written and read out by children, then displayed on the Clothworkers’ altar and used in intercessions.

She thanked the PCC for funding the group and all supporters. Families are welcome to just turn up at any “Messy Church” session, usually held the first Wednesday of the month. The next one is on Saturday July 1, 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

Every time we attend a service a small folded piece of paper is given to us with the service booklet and, as a sideman, I am surprised at the number of these which are handed back afterwards.

The ‘pew sheet’, as it is called, is a leaflet given out for use not only during the current service but throughout the coming week. Let’s take a closer look at it.

On the front we are given the times of the services for the current Sunday, together with a welcome to visitors and newcomers as well as information for those attending with children, any who have sight or hearing problems, and those who wish to donate via Gift Aid.

Inside the leaflet are listed the music to be used, those leading the services, the readers, preacher, intercessor and those taking up the offertory, all of whom need our prayers before the service starts.  The collect, readings and psalm follow, which we can look at before the service and afterwards for reflection.  The references for the readings for the following Sunday are then listed, followed by suggestions for daily prayers throughout the coming week, carefully chosen to observe happenings in our church, town, country and in the world. Names of the sick and infirm who have requested our prayers follow, then those of the recently departed and any who are to be married or baptised during the week.

The next section gives full details of the Sunday services within our benefice of Tavistock, Gulworthy and Brentor, including a list of events and services taking place during the week and any saints’ days and anniversaries of significant occasions. The final page lists notices of forthcoming events and practical information for reference.

So this little piece of paper is a mine of information which I personally use daily and feel lost without. To misquote a well-known saying, ‘The pew sheet is for all the week and beyond, not just for Sunday’.

Elizabeth Watkins

Prayer of the month

My Offering – A prayer by Bishop George Appleton

(1902-1993)

chosen by Chris Hardwick

Lord,

I offer what I am

to what You are.

I stretch up to You in desire

my attention on You alone.

I cannot grasp You,

explain You

describe You

Only cast myself into the depths

of your mystery

Only let your love pierce the

cloud of my unknowing.

Let me forget all but You

You are what I long for

You are my chiefest good

You are my eager hope

You are my allness.

In the glimpses of your eternity

Your unconditional freedom

Your unfailing wisdom

Your perfect love

I am humble and worshipping

warming to love and hope

waiting and available

for your will

dear Lord.

Prayer of the month

A prayer adapted from one used by the Diocese of Exeter in a past stewardship mission. It is used regularly by the Intercessors’ Prayer Group and is in memory of Chris Tromans, who gave so much to this ministry.

Dear Lord,

Set us on fire for you in this Church.

Claim our worship and wealth, our abilities and our time,

that we may be worthy stewards of all you have given us.

Save us from complacency and fear of new ways;

inspire us with vision;

make us a power-house of prayer, a community of loving service,

and faithful witnesses to your kingdom,

as we grow daily in and through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.