NEWS FROM WEST DEVON SAFE HAVEN

I would like to thank Reverend Steve and the congregation of St Eustachius’ for the warm welcome and offers of support received when I came to speak to you.

The two families in West Devon are doing well. Our Tavistock family attend language lessons in Plymouth and receive follow up lessons in their own home from a band of dedicated local volunteers. The seven year old has settled well in St Rumon’s School, where she is being nurtured and loved.

We now have two more homes almost ready to offer a safe haven to other Syrian families. This has happened because of the generosity of local Tavistock families.

Do you remember the initial public meeting in February? Well watch this space! This November we are hosting a follow up meeting in Tavistock College. We would love you to come along and find out more. The date will be announced as soon as possible.

Best wishes

Gillian Mill

Café au-art” at St Eustachius’ Parish Church

An art exhibition stirred visitors who dropped in for coffee and cakes at St Eustachius’ Parish Church, Tavistock on Friday, August 25.

More than 60 pictures were displayed by artists from all over the area, with everything from watercolours and acrylics, to pastels, pen and ink. Subjects ranged from moorland views and seascapes, to local scenes, including St Eustachius’ Church ruins. Some items were for sale.

Artist Phyllis Hughes, from Plymouth, spent the morning painting a view of the Tavy River, which was raffled as first prize. The former Tavistock resident, who visits the church regularly’, said: ‘When I came up on the bus I was amazed to be asked to do it.  I used to sit and paint by the river.  I loved the nature, the butterflies and damselflies. I found it very inspiring for my art and you get very strong messages from God – that’s why I come back. It’s a wonderful place.’

Crapstone artist Tony Arnold exhibited six pieces of abstract art, which attracted many people for their colour and movement. ‘I call two of them “action paintings”, said Tony, whose style has evolved over 35 years of painting. 

Coffee mornings are being held in church every Friday morning until the end of November and will resume after Christmas.  They are organised by the Church Craft Group, each one having a different theme, including plants, wood carvings and crafts.

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