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

When Rev Sarah asked me to preach today - I responded with a question: May I talk about Gaza? I go to sleep and wake up everyday thinking about Gaza. I wonder how many more people have died. Al Jazeera reported 7 days ago that according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza : At least 33,137 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli army in Gaza since the start of the war on October 7. Thousands more are missing under the rubble of collapsed buildings and infrastructure, and are presumed dead. This is not a war. A war presumes two equal sides attacking each other. This is a mass slaughter. When Ukraine was attack we in the western world were…

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We were all grateful for the talks given on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week by Revd Mike Clark during the mid-morning masses. If you open the whole page there is a link below. You can read the text of the talks here.

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

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You can download here the talks given by Preb Philip Sourbut on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week, and the Thoughts for the Day during the Triduum given by the Rector, David Nixon.

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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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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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If you wish to read the texts of Revd Alison's excellent sermons for 31 October, click here: All Saints and All Souls

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Blessings for Harvest Here is the Order of Service we shall use tonight for our Zoom service at 5pm, and here is the text for Fr. David's talk.

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Ian considers the differing views on keeping God's law in todays readings. You can read it here.

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Ian contrasts the glory seen at the Transfiguration with the life Jesus lived as a humble servant. Read it here

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From Sunday 25th July our service times are changing. You are very welcome to join us in our worship of the Lord at our new services. Our main Sunday worship will be a service of Holy Communion, held in the church building and starting at 10:30. There will singing of at least one hymn and in other parts of the liturgy. Our online zoom service of worship will be continuing weekly until at least the end of August, but will now begin at 6pm (still on Sundays). Zoom codes for access can be found on the latest Pew Sheet (available on this website under the "Pew Sheet" tab), as can the telephone numbers for phone access. From the 4th of August we will…

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See Phil's Zoom talk here

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Read Revd Alison's Zoom talk about the beheading of John the Baptist here

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We are celebrating our Patronal Festival for St Thomas on Sunday 4 July to encourage more people to take part. Please see our pewsheet for more details. Revd Sarah shares her thoughts about our understanding of God. Read it here. [Picture credit: Pixaby]

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We were fortunate on Tuesday afternoon (29/6) to welcome a small party of walkers to St Thomas Church as representatives of the Young Christian Climate Network who are walking from the G7 meeting in Cornwall to the COP26 climate negotiations in Glasgow in the autumn. Ian joined them for the Dunsford-Exeter stage. Our prayers go with them.

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We've transferred the feast day of Peter and Paul from 29 June to Sunday 27 June as they are important saints - the apostles to the Jews and Gentiles respectively. This is also the time of year in some dioceses for ordinations, so we pray for those being ordained and those celebrating anniversaries this year. Read Fr David's Zoom talk here.

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See the Picture Phil showed at Zoom here.

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Read Phil's Zoom Talk about the Storm on the Sea of Galilee here.

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Read Ian Totterdell's zoom service talk about the opposition Jesus faced from different quarters early in his ministry here

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Read Fr David's talk at the 10.30 Zoom service for Pentecost here. [Photo by Mike Labrum on Unsplash]

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Revd Sarah reflects on the time between Ascension Day and Pentecost, and how we manage times of waiting. You can read her sermon HERE.

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Ian considers the simplicity of Jesus's commandment to love one another, and how we should be open to God working in new ways. Read it here

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Read what Phil said about the readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter here.

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Ian considers how we, and all Christ's followers, can be witnesses to Jesus's death and resurrection and so spread the message of repentance and forgiveness of sins to all. Read his talk here

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Congratulations to Karen Williams, the winner of our 'Easter Joy' Photo competition! Karen has chosen the Royal British Legion to receive her charity donation. Thank you to all who entered; it certainly brought a lot of joy!

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Revd Sarah considers the disciples' confusion and doubt as they encounter the risen Christ. How do we face our own questions and fears? You can read her sermon here.

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Happy Easter Alleluia, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Here is the link for our Zoom services until the end of June using this Order of Service for our Eastertide worship. Click here for Fr David's zoom talk on Easter Day. You can find other talks in separate Blog entries for each Sunday.

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Happy Easter! Join with Christians as we celebrate the life changing event of Jesus' resurrection from the dead!

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Read Phil Baker's homily at the Good Friday Liturgy here

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The cross is a powerful symbol. To some, it suggests an agonising death, for others it is part of their story of forgiveness and salvation. What does the cross mean to you?

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Today we consider the trial of Jesus and the accusations made against him. How could you support someone who is rejected or falsely accused?

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The next poster on our Holy Week Trail shows Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples. What could you share with others?

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Look here for activities which invite children of any age to engage their senses in retelling the stories of Holy Week. With thanks to Engage Worship.

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Look out for our Holy Week trail! Posters being added during this week to retell the events which lead up to Easter Day. Can you spot them all?

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This is our programme for Holy Week. And you are very welcome to some or all of it On Palm Sunday, we will use this Lent Worship Sheet and read the dramatized version of St Mark's Passion. This worship is by Zoom with this link. We will be using this link for all worship in Holy Week and for Easter Day. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights, we are delighted to welcome Andrew Beane, the Archdeacon of Exeter, as our speaker in three short acts of worship at 7pm each night. The liturgy we are following is here. On Maundy Thursday night, we are saying Compline together online via Zoom at 9pm, using this Order of Service. Good Friday, there will be a Stations of the Cross…

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Thanks to Karen for permission to share her beautiful Mothering Sunday poem. You can read it here

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Read what Martin has to say here and Judith's intercessions from the Mothers' Union A Litany for Mothers Eve our first mother - thank you for stepping out and being the first to understand the complexities of life. Sarah, Hannah and Elizabeth - thank you for your patience and courage in waiting for a miracle. May all people longing for children be strengthened by your stories and comforted in their pain. Hagar - thank you for your resolve in the face of exile. May all mothers who are forced to flee or are forgotten be given hope in you. Rebecca - thank you for your flexibility. Let us remember all mothers who have to raise their children in a different country or far from their relatives…

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Today sees the launch of a new photography competition 'Easter Joy'. Especially aimed at residents of St Thomas, we encourage people to see the Easter Joy in their local community at this time. Details of Terms and Conditions, as well as fabulous prizes, can be found HERE

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Read Fr Terry's talk at the Zoom service for the 3rd Sunday of Lent here

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Read Helen Pearce's Zoom Talk for Lent 2 here

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We are delighted to announce that the Parish has been succesful in another small grant application to support our outreach towards vunerable people, especially those with difficulty accessing the internet. Devon County Council has awarded us £437 as a contribution to the costs of our weekly postal mailing, which goes out to about 50 people in St Thomas and slightly beyond, and which has continued from the start of the pandemic. Thank you DCC!

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Lent begins on Ash Wednesday which is 17 February this year. We are marking this with a zoom service starting at 7pm, which will include optional ashing - that is the blessing of ashes and the marking of our foreheads with ash, as a sign of penitence, and as a recognition of our mortality: earth to earth, ashes to ashes etc We are using these worship resources for Lent including Ash Wednesday here. This is the link for Ash Wednesday and 10.30 on Sundays via Zoom. Please use this link also for all Zoom services in Holy Week, including Easter Day. Read Fr David's zoom talk for Ash Wednesday here Additonal resources will be included on this page including a help for prayer here. Especially…

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Read the Revd Alison's Zoom sermon here

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Read Phil's sermon for the 2nd Sunday before Lent here

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We'll be making Christingles together at our Zoom Service at 10.30 on Sunday 31st January. The service sheet is here. Readings and other prayers from the pewsheet. An outline picture to colour in can be downloaded here. Find more information about The Children's Society here. We will also bless candles on Sunday morning so have one to hand if you wish. Click here for a delightful contemporary Candlemas story by Karen Williams.

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A prayer for Holocaust Memorial Day Loving God, we come to you with heavy hearts, remembering the six million Jewish souls murdered during the Holocaust. In the horrors of that history, when so many groups were targeted because of their identity, and in genocides which followed, we recognise destructive prejudices that drive people apart. Forgive us when we give space to fear, negativity and hatred of others, simply because they are different from us. In the light of God, we see everyone as equally precious manifestations of the Divine, and can know the courage to face the darkness. Through our prayers and actions, help us to stand together with those who are suffering, so that light may banish all darkness, love will prevail over…

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There is an annual week from 18th to 25th January when there is an especial focus in our prayers on Christian Unity, often with events in local neighbourhoods to mark the importance of this. The Diocese of Exeter is twinned with the (catholic) Diocese of Bayeux-Lisieux in Normandy, France. There are regular exchange visits, and every other year an exchange of preachers during this Unity Week. Fr David has visited France on several occasions for this purpose, with Fr Laurent Berthout making the reverse journey. The videos below in French and English mark this occasion, when because of Covid, we cannot make the visits in person. The text of Fr David's sermon is here. Let us also not forget the St Thomas…

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Read here the talk given by Fr David on zoom on 17 January 2021.

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Rev. Sarah raises issues from the baptism of Christ and how this affects our understanding of baptisms in church. Read her zoom talk .

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Read Fr David's zoom talk for the Patronal Feast of Thomas Becket.

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Revd Tom Carson, the Chaplain at Exeter School, has written and performed a song for Christmas, from Joseph's perspective. Well done and thank you, Tom

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Please click here to read Fr David's talk at the Zoom service on the 4th Sunday of Advent.

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Read Susannah's excellent intercessions here for the third Sunday of Advent.

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Read here John White's talk about John the Baptist's role in announcing the coming of Jesus's ministry.

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Starting on Advent Sunday, 29th November, we worked backwards through the alphabet, from Z to A, as we counted down the 26 days to Christmas. Each day we looked at someone or something connected with the Christmas story, or with our Christmas traditions, linked to that day's letter. Update, 5th Jan 2021: All 26 articles have now been archived and can be found on our website here.

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Read here how we should not feel too guilty if we are "people of the one talent" during this pandemic crisis. There are also signs of the growth of the five and two talent slaves.

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We marked today by a Zoom service on line, and by a very brief Act of Remembrance outside at the war memorial in the churchyard, with a wreath laid by PCSO WIll Malcolm. Thanks to Helen for a copy of her painting of poppies to mark the occasion. Read Phil Baker's Zoom talk here

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The feast day of All Saints challenges us to consider our own understanding of eternal life. Read Sarah's talk here

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During Lockdown, lots of us started craft projects as a way of creating something positive out of challenging times. Come and see the results at a free display this Sunday, 1st November from 12-2 in St Thomas Parish Hall (behind the church).

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Read the latest news and views in the St Thomas Times

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Read what Alison had to say here about these verses from St Paul's letter to the Philippians.

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As the weather changes, the ribbons outside St Thomas Parish Church are being taken indoors. On Saturday 17th October from 10-11.30 anyone who tied a ribbon is invited to carry it into church and light a candle. The ribbons will be made into an artwork which will be placed in the St Thomas Chapel during November.

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Jesus is confronted by the Chief Priests and Elders in the Temple when he counters their question about his authority with a question they cannot answer. Read Fr Terry's talk here

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Rev. Sarah argues that 'the shame and suffering of the cross was the only possible means of bringing salvation through reconciliation with God'. Read her talk here

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Thanks very much to Karen, who has shared a further edition of her Coronavirus diaries here, about coming out of lockdown (scrummy looking cake Karen) and some thoughts about Firsts since February, arranged around the letter of Covid.

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Jesus has some advice about how to deal with conflict in church: does it really work? Here is the text of the talk given at the Zoom worship.

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Following the Way of Jesus is not always the way of the world. Here is the text of the talk given at the Zoom worship.

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We bid farewell to Eliza (Revd Dr Eliza Getman) on Sunday, as she celebrated a final Eucharist and preached, before she takes up the post of Chaplain at Taunton School. Not only did Eliza lead worship here, and contribute to parish activities, she also provided the wonderful South African crib set seen here, for Christmas services. Eliza wrote this very kindly in response: Sunday was unforgettable. It was a reminder of just what a generous and articulate and compassionate community St Thomas' is. I have loved being among you for a season. And Sam and I will be back to visit often. Thank you for your kind words after the zoom service. And thank you for singing back to me (illegally!) at…

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There are a special series of St Thomas Story Tours happening from 5-13 September. The walk begins at Emmanuel Hall and takes about one hour and 15 minutes, including a stop at St Thomas Church. These are wheechair friendly and suitable for slow walkers.There are stories to be told and music to be heard! For further info and booking, please click here

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Got unwanted, clean school uniform? Then donate to St Thomas Community Uniform Swap! Donations received on Tuesday 25th and Thursday 27th August from 10am-12 at St Thomas Parish Church Hall (behind the church). Any school uniform items for local schools will be gratefully received. No other clothing or school equipment, please, due to limited storage space. Need school uniform? Items of free school uniform can be collected from the Church Hall on Thursday 3rd September from 10am-12.

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We marked this Sunday as the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, transferred from yesterday 15 August. Here is the text of the talk given at the Zoom worship. Happy Feast Day!

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"Transfiguration and disfiguration are closely linked. We can choose to see each other and ourselves differently - to look with new eyes and hear with new ears." Rev. Dr Eliza Getman urges us to wake up to engage with the transfiguring power of God. Read her sermon here

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Jane has kindly given permission to share her Safeguarding Prayer, which we use regularly at our meetings. You can read the prayer here.

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In the reading from St Matthew's Gospel today Jesus tells his disciples a series of parables about the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. Phil considers these in his sermon here.

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Delighted to announce that we have received the 'We're Good to Go' award from Visit England, in recognition of our hard work in meeting all of their enhanced Health and Safety standards due to COVID-19. Please remember to play your part by using hand sanitizer and maintaining social distance when visiting the church for private prayer or worship.

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Summer 2020 We are meeting, socially distanced, every Thursday from 10.30 to about 1pm in St Thomas Pleasure Ground throughout the summer. Some of us bring our own drinks and picnic, and some of us buy them from one of our wonderful cafes in Cowick Street which have opened again. Join us for a few minutes if you're busy or enjoy a leisurely time and a picnic lunch. It's all about being together. The only proviso is the weather! Ring Jenny Tuckett for more information on 01392 298725.

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Ann King created a Lockdown Library during this pandemic crisis. George writes: In the course of Lockdown and when all manner of shops, venues and libraries were closed for what seemed to be forever the excited voice of a three-year old called out and carried down the silent street. "Look, Daddy! Here's the library!" She reached up, took her father's hand and led him to what was, for her, a place of promise, a place of hidden treasure to be revealed. In many ways her delight was repeated in what was to become a virtual stream of children and adults, many of whom voiced their own thankfulness when they came across 'St Thomas Lockdown Library'. From a seed of an idea, it…

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Happy Feast Day! 3 July is the traditional feast day of St Thomas the apostle. While our ribbons still mark all those things we have lost in these strange times, we also give thanks for the life of St Thomas, who saw our Lord's wounds and believed, declaring: My Lord and my God. There is the video of a talk below and the text here. We will also be marking this on Sunday at our live Zoom worship.

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Rev. Sarah talks about the theme of homecoming within today's Bible readings and considers how this applies to our current situation. You can read her sermon here.

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Fr David grapples with some big issues around suffering, Covid 19 and the nature of God. You can read his sermon here.

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Book Review God and the Pandemic by Tom Wright So here's the thing. While the world and life around our Christian Church and personally became a whirlpool, a maelstrom of uncertainty, confusion and unpredictability due to the coronavirus; while globally the relative stability of the fabric of international affairs has been severely disrupted: while those who have direct power over the quality of our own personal and national lives have been caught off guard in this crisis, compounding that with knee-jerk, impoverished decision-making with all its now devastating effects - Tom Wright's book can be an enormous help to us personally, and corporately as the Church, in understanding how we should see our place now and the attitude, the character…

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This week Ian talks about how God is active to heal people and bring them to Himself, and how He wants His followers (i.e. us!) to join Him in that task. Read what he has to say here

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Following our practice for Ascension Day, we have recorded a simple Mass for Corpus Christi. You can read the talk here.

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St Thomas Library is shut for the duration. So is the City Library. And we have all this extra time to read! Spotting a 'niche need' Ann in Wardrew Road started a small lockdown library by popping a few spare books on the wall outside her house, with a notice: 'Take or swap a book and enjoy!'. Thus began St Thomas' Lockdown Library, now an established cultural feature and go to walking destination in these bleak days when libraries, bookshops, cinemas and theatres are all closed. Ann's venture has taken off, with many regular visitors including - most importantly - children, their parents, carers, neighbours and people from afar who have heard about it. Everyone has a story to…

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'A Time to Mourn' is a way of responding to the losses and disappointments many of us have experienced over the past few months of the pandemic. I invite you to join me tomorrow, Tuesday 9 June from 11am to 12 to mark what has happened in your life and family by bringing a ribbon* to tie to the railings outside St Thomas Parish Church as a memorial to your own personal situation. *I will have some ribbons with me if you need them I'll look forward to meeting you there tomorrow. With love and blessings Rev Sarah

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I am very pleased to report that we have been successful in a small grant application to Devon County Council's Covid19 emergency grant programme. We applied for help to pay postage and stationery for our mail-outs to support those who do not have internet connections. We have received £429. Thank you Devon

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Here is an an ode to my "Right Hand Man" written by Mary

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I have a couple of chronic conditions so I have some limitations in order to stay well. When the Covid19 lockdown occurred, I went quite mad volunteering for all kinds of nursing-related jobs; unfortunately, I was turned down or not called back. I felt useless, frustrated and angry! Then I was reminded from a Facebook page that I had another potentially useful skill: I can sew! I found out that the NHS, care homes, local surgeries, volunteer groups, neighbours and friends were desperate for scrubs, face masks, headbands with buttons, and scrub caps. I couldn't sew up 3 sets of scrubs in a week as other sewers could but I could make smaller items like face masks, headbands and scrub…

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Read Rev Eliza's sermon for Pentecost Sunday 2020 here

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All Saints Sunday, is a time when we remember and celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us, who Jesus would bless. I thought maybe it was time to have some beatitudes for this time of pandemic, for this place, and these people, remembering those who have succumbed to COVID-19 and those grieving the loss of loved ones, left to pick up the pieces, because I like to imagine Jesus here standing among us saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the agnostics. Blessed are they who doubt. Those who aren't sure, who can still be surprised. Blessed are they who are spiritually…

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Read Fr Terry's sermon here or listen to it below. ASCENSION DAY PRAYER Risen Christ, you have raised our human nature to the throne of heaven: help us to seek and serve you, that we may join you at the Father's side, where you reign with the Spirit in glory, now and forever. Amen Common Worship

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You may remember at the beginning of lockdown, Jenny set up a weekly free plant stall outside her home. Over the past six weeks, Jenny's generosity has inspired gardeners old and new and St Thomas vegetable and flower plots have been filled with her beautiful plants. Gardeners have been equally generous in return, supporting Jenny's appeal for donations to the Community Larder. In total, Jenny has passed 13 bags of groceries and £156.71 cash to the project that is supporting a growing number of local families in need of help because of the pandemic. Jenny would like to extend her thanks to everyone who has supported her and hopes that all your gardening efforts will bear fruit! (And you can continue to support…

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Gracious Friend and Living, Loving Lord, the people of our world are under attack by a pretty little virus with evil intent - to try and drastically reduce the world population - in the most appalling way. Our people are fighting back, stoically nursing the sick and dying while taking care for their own safety. Many of the nursing staff have succumbed to the disease. Apart from the hospitals and care homes many people are still working to deliver food and necessaries to those of us who are in "lockdown" and isolated. This time of separation has united us in a common consideration for our friends and neighbours and those we see might need a little extra…

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Easter 6 Sermon I will start by wishing you all a Happy Easter as we have 2 more weeks of Easter celebration left! I saw a cartoon this week which was designed to look like the London Underground map. You will find a copy of it on the pewsheet. Instead of Tube stations it shows our current destinations of chair, window and tv. It is a way of showing that our worlds have become smaller. My feeling is that many of us are starting to get a bit restless. In the verses which lead into our reading from the Acts of the Apostles, the people of Athens are also restless, constantly seeking something new. That's not a bad thing:…

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Easter 5 10th May 2020 John 14.1-14 We are at a time when many are feeling hopeless. Will this virus ever be beaten? Will life ever get back to normal? There are people so totally isolated by the lockdown that they are finding it very difficult, particularly those of us who live alone. I am lucky in that I have, and am ready to use, modern technology to keep in regular contact with friends and colleagues. In fact, I speak by these means daily to some friends face to face that I might only see once or twice a week normally. But some do not have that luxury and they cannot get out to interact with friends…

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'The City is My Monastery - A Contemporary Rule of Life' by Richard Carter Canterbury Press; 2019: ISBN 978-1-78622-213-8 This most compelling book is about the evolution and identity of the Nazareth Community at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London. Rev Richard Carter serves as an NSM there, among immigrants, the desperate, homeless, and broken. It is lived experience and practice within fully inclusive communities. Filled with beautiful poetry, prayer, Lectio-Divina and autobiographical stories, it is balm for the soul. Rooted in the unconditional, love, mercy and grace of Christ, the community epitomises the simple life of the Melanesian Brotherhood in the Solomon Islands where Carter lived before moving to London. At the heart of their Rule of Life is being with God and…

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If you need to remind yourself of the reality and hope of Easter, read Father David's sermon here or listen to it below

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Let's join Rev Sarah continuing the Easter message as she reflects on the journey on the road to Emmaus. You can also read her sermon here The Road to Emmaus painting is courtesy of Paintingvalley.com

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Jenny is a wonderful example to us and her neighbours, showing how to make the best of our time and think about others who may need a helping hand during these difficult weeks. She's used her very green fingers and set up a plant stall outside her home, generously giving away some luscious house plants to brighten peoples' lives. Passers-by were thrilled by the plants and responded equally generously to Jenny's request for donations to the Community Larder. By the end of the morning, all the plants were in their new homes and Jenny had two big bags of goodies for the Larder and some cash donations too. Well done Jenny!

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Fr David has adapted some prayers from the Anglican Franciscan Order to help us appreciate Fr Charles' ministry in St Thomas whilst wishing him well in his new adventure with the Royal Navy. Follow this link to join the prayers.

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The Church of St Thomas has been overwhelmed, as your local Community Builder, Chloe Pooley, has too at the great show of community spirit that has been unleashed in St Thomas during the past few weeks of lockdown. Chloe has helpfully drawn together information (correct at the time of writing) about what's happening in St Thomas. It includes information about:- Local services Opportunities to connect Contact details Ideas for staying at home Please take time to read it here Chloe would welcome any updates or new information to keep this document up to date. Let's keep the momentum going!

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Today is the highlight of our Christian calendar when we would normally gather to celebrate our Easter faith. Although this year we are not able to be with each other, we can still be united at 10.30 and pray together and listen to Father David's sermon, or read it here. He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

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Be ready to join in worship with Christians around the world tomorrow, Easter Sunday, with this service sheet, which you can download and print. You can also download and print Stations of the Resurrection or some Easter Graces to use at Sunday lunch or dinner.

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Join Philip and the congregation of St Thomas' as we take a virtual journey with Jesus on His way to the cross. This Good Friday will be like no other because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we can still join in this journey collectively, wherever we may be. Follow the journey and join the hymn singing and prayers using this sheet

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Here are Daily Reflections for Holy week, based on seven paintings by Nebiyu Assefa. This second sheet gives pictures, words and activities for families to reflect on and do together during Holy Week. It again uses paintings by Nebiyu Assefa. Find out more about the artist from this link

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Your card can be downloaded to print HERE The instructions for the 'origami' card are very simple: 1. print back to back 2. fold in half and half again in such a way that 'Holy Week' appears on the front cover of the booklet 3. the idea is to open up the booklet during the week and use the pictures and bible readings as a prompt for prayer

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Prayer for a Pandemic May we who are merely inconvenienced, remember those whose lives are at stake. May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable. May those who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent. May those who have the flexibility to care for our children when schools close remember those who have no options. May we who have to cancel a trip remember those who have no safe place to go. May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all. May those who settle for quarantine at home remember…

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Listen to Rev Charles' reflections on enduring love this week and how he links it to the very challenging times in which we all find ourselves living. If you prefer, you can read his thoughts below. Don't forget to leave a comment as we'd love to hear from you! Reflection - Lent V John 11:1-45 The Gospel for this Sunday is a lengthy one, St John Chapter 11 verses 1- 45 and recounts how Jesus brings Lazarus back from the dead. But what can this passage say to us at this particular time? Well, I wonder if Jesus offers some words of hope when he says: 'I am the Resurrection and the Life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will…

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Rev Sarah delivered this sermon today in the parish church - for the first time without a congregation. But you don't need to miss out - read her message below in our new blog today. Or listen to it by using this link Don't forget to leave a comment as we'd love to hear from you! Mothering Sunday 2020 Pray: may I speak in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen How are you doing? How do you feel about Mothering Sunday? Mothering Sunday can be one of those days which reaches to our core; for some people it will bring to the surface feelings of loss and heartache. For others, it is the cancellation of a Mothers' Day meal or…

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