Exe Valley Mission Community

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Calverleigh March Round Up 2023

With snowdrops making a lovely show and daffodils emerging from the ground there are signs of springtime all around, along with the lengthening evenings.

That said, we return to events of last year. On 16 December the ashes of Martin Pincombe were interred in the churchyard. Our condolences go to his family and friends and to anyone else who is mourning the loss of a loved one.

Saturday 17 December saw the wedding of Harry and Violet. The church was already decorated for Christmas for which we thank all who did their bit and with the bride and grooms own added touch to the décor with lanterns and candles this made for an atmospheric service as the sun was setting. We wish the happy couple a lifetime of happiness as they begin their journey of married life.

Our congratulations go to Mark and Victoria as well who have also started married life together. Our very best wishes to you both.

On 18 December we held our Carol Service in the afternoon. The service was led by Jackie. Traditional carols were sung interspersed with familiar bible readings retelling the story of the first Christmas and we were delighted that a number of children came forward during the service to sing 'Away in a manger' to the congregation. Our thanks go to all who did readings or took part in any other way.

Christmas Day saw a large congregation come together to celebrate the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ with carols and Holy Communion. Rev'd Steph re-told the Christmas story with a lively and comical tale which was based on the names of chocolate bars. Very clever and amusing. Thank you, Steph for your words and the confectionary.

Loxbeare and Calverleigh carol singers went out on two evenings around both villages. 10 people turned out on both nights including a babe in arms, well in a pram to be truthful, along with some who were joining us for the very first time. We are grateful to Jean and Myrtle & family who put on supper for the singers on the Tuesday or Thursday. Very welcome after a night of singing. Money raised from donations went to CHAT and Hospice Care. Our thanks go to Sue and Aubrey for arranging the evenings after a break because of Covid. A total of £485.00 was raised and divided between the two charities. Unfortunately we were unable to get to all the usual homes but hopefully we can get to everyone next year.

A good donation of produce and toiletries were collected for CHAT during the Christmas period and delivered to the CHAT office when it opened in the new year. Thank you to all who gave in any way. All contributions were gratefully received.

January saw a new time for our Family Service which began at 9.30am. Although a little unsure as to how many would be there for the earlier start, we were pleasantly surprised at the turn out and pray that numbers will grow even more over time. Rev'd Steph led the service and Dave Edwards played his guitar for the hymns/songs. Children attending participated before and during the service.

The funeral of Michelle Goldsworthy took place on 19 January followed by burial in the churchyard.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Michelle’s family at this time.

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