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.

Do you seek true illumination?

Lent Course 2017

Our upcoming Lent course, chosen by Father Chris, is the York course entitled ‘Receiving Christ in five different ways’. We have probably all come to follow our Christian faith by many different paths, and from many different backgrounds, but the end should be the same for us all, that is to become disciples of our Lord Jesus.

In his book ‘The imitation of Christ’, a reflective study that has sold second only to the bible, Thomas á Kempis opens with the words of our Lord “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness”. Á Kempis says that these words teach us how far we must imitate Christ’s life and character if we are to seek true illumination. And yes, if most of you are like me, we do fall short, but the first step along the path is to receive Christ.

The ‘York course’ looks at how we may do that from five different aspects:-

Receiving Christ as children of God

Receiving Christ in the stranger and needy

Receiving Christ in Holy Communion

Receiving Christ through prayer and fellowship

Christ in you, the hope of glory

Each study is based on a scripture passage, an audio CD of various discussions between Canon Simon Stanley (founder of Your course), Rt Revd Nick Bains (Bishop of Leeds), Margaret Sentamu, Revd Ken Howcroft (Former president Methodist Conference), and theologian Theodora Hawksley. The course material itself poses various points for further discussion, and various stimulating or provocative comments like “The weekly repetition of the liturgy in a country church never stales”-Ronald Blythe, and “The best things in life are free. The second best are very expensive” – Coco Chanel.

Do join Sue Tucker and Mike Loader, Monday lunchtimes or evenings in the Parish Centre, March 6, 13, 20, 27 and April 3.

Make a donation to St Eustachius’ without incurring any extra cost.

How does this work?

“easyfundraising” is a good cause shopping Website with access to many major national retailers.  When you make a purchase on-line from one of these retailers, through easyfundraising, the retailer will make a donation to your nominated Charity.  In this case it would be St Eustachius. The amount of donation varies with the individual retailer.

What do I have to do?

Go to www.easyfundraising.org.uk and register your name with a Password. Nominate St Eustachius Church Tavistock as your chosen Charity then through the optional menus select the retailer from whom you wish to make your purchase in the normal way. The retailer will then make a donation to St Eustachius’ without incurring you any further expense.

Register for “Donation Reminder” and this will highlight the retailers who will make a donation against your purchases.

A statement will be issued by easyfundraising reflecting the value of your purchases and the amount that has been donated to St Eustachius’.  You will also receive regular emails with promotions etc.  These can be unsubscribed if preferred.

Each time you buy on-line go to “easyfundraising”.  It is so easy and the Church benefits.

BENEFICE QUIET DAY

Tuesday 13^th December 2016

at Sheldon, Doddiscombsleigh

‘In the beginning was the Word’

                                 a day preparing for Christmas

This year our Advent quiet day will take place at Sheldon, Doddiscombsleigh, EX6 7YT. Sheldon is a retreat centre set in converted farm buildings in 45 acres of land and is home to the Society of Mary and Martha. There will be two large, comfortable lounges available to us in the Long Barn, as well as the medieval chapel, the New Chapel and beautiful walks all around.

Part of the day will be spent in silence. There will be three addresses, all based around the prologue of St. John’s Gospel. The day will be led by Steve Martin (the curate that is, not the famous American actor!).

Bring a bible, and another book to read, if you wish (and suitable walking shoes/clothes, if you plan to do one of the walks).

The final cost per person will depend on how many come (the more who come, the lower the price will be); the maximum cost will be £24 per person, which includes a contribution to the hire of the retreat centre, a two-course lunch and all other refreshments during the day. If you wish to come but require financial assistance, please contact Steve in confidence (01822 611148).  Please pay on the day, in cash or making cheques payable to Tavistock Parish Church.

Programme:

9.30 am            Arrival, Coffee and notices

10 am               Morning Prayer and First Address (Chapel)

12 pm              Eucharist and Second Address (Chapel)

12.30 pm         Lunch (2 courses)

3.30 pm           Tea

4 pm                Evening Prayer and Final Address (Chapel)

Directions: Sheldon (which is the name of the house, not the village or hamlet it is in) is located in the Teign Valley near Doddiscombsleigh. It takes about an hour to get there from Tavistock. The best way to get to it is to go to Moretonhampstead and continue through Moretonhampstead on the B3212 to Exeter, taking a right turn to Christow on the B3193. A couple of miles later, just after the garden centre and then the Teign House Inn, turn left to Doddiscombsleigh and then turn left again to Sheldon very shortly after.

Please sign up on the sheet at the back of church or let Steve know if you can come and if you need transport, or can provide transport for others.