The Parish of St Thomas, Exeter | Anglican Church in the Catholic Tradition | Anglican Church

Easter Day 2024 Revd Sarah When my grandparents retired, they announced that they were going to use their newfound freedom and explore Scotland, which was a lifelong ambition. They had gathered some savings and were going to take their time and see all of the sights. There was some concern when we got a phone call two weeks later - is everything ok? "Yes," they replied, "we've done Scotland!" They had indeed covered thousands of miles, visiting famous landmarks and cities, although we suspected that they had packed sandwiches and a flask each morning and never got out of the car! A tour of the carparks of Scotland might have been a better description. We are following Mark's gospel this year and…

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The overarching theme we have as a Church this Lent, 'Watch and Pray', focusses our attention on the moment in the gospels, between the last supper and his arrest, that Jesus spends some time alone praying, and while he is doing so, his disciples fall asleep. In John, Jesus prays in a garden—John has a fondness for gardens. Luke only tells us that Jesus was on the Mount of Olives. Matthew and Mark put him in a place called 'Gethsemane' though they don't say it is a garden. Traditionally, we blend all three and think of a garden called Gethsemane on or near the Mount of Olives. Click here to continue to read John Morgan's talk. [Photo by Jasmin Ne on Unsplash]

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The bell ringers meet weekly on Thursday evenings from 7.00pm to 8.30pm in the church tower. New as well as experienced ringers are most welcome to join us. If you have ever wanted to know how it's done come along and join in or observe. Contact the Tower Captain, Eric on 07966 927 834 or come along to the tower door at 7pm and see what's going on. We are able to teach new ringers the skills of Devon Call Changes. We also welcome interest groups such as schools, guides etc to visit for a small donation.

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Read HERE Dr Jon Morgan's reflection on the interaction between Jesus, Mary and Martha.

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Revd Sarah shares some thoughts about the empty tomb on Easter morning. Read HERE

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Read here the talk given by Prof Susannah Cornwall for Mothering Sunday this year. The lectionary readings are also included. [Photo by Yoksel 🌿 Zok on Unsplash]

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The following statement was read this morning at St Thomas by the Rector: I thought I ought to say something in response to the war and crisis in Ukraine, and also react to that weird feeling that we are going about our daily business with its normal quarrels and irritations, and then suddenly see foreign bombs falling on a capital city and people hiding in underground stations. The traditional Lenten disciples which we begin this week on Ash Wednesday are a useful prompt: prayer, fasting and almsgiving, almost like weapons in the Christian armoury. Prayer sees us in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and all those in Russia and elsewhere who are protesting for peace. We are able to pray for peace,…

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We mark the importance of this week of ecumenical prayer with a recording in French of a short act of worship with Fr David giving the homily. This replaced the usual exchange of preachers between the diocese of Exeter and the Catholic diocese of Bayeux-Lisieux in Normandy, France. We hope to do these visits later in the year, Covid rules permitting. The text of the homily can be found here. Many thanks to all this group of French speakers, including media guru Nigel Walshe and members of Central Parishes, Exeter.

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