News:

It was with shock & much sadness to learn of Rev Robert Gordon's sudden death.  Our love, sympathy & prayers are with Steph and family at this time and in the coming days, so that they may feel & know God's comfort and strength.  It is a great testament to Rob at the number of people who attended the funeral service at St Peter's Church to pay their respects to a man dedicated to serving His Lord for many many years.  He was very well thought of and respected, who preached the truth of God's word & encouraged us in our Christian life.

We also send our thoughts & sympathy to others in our Exe Valley Community who have lost loved ones recently.

By the time we receive our magazine we will have celebrated the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ and enjoyed times of sharing together.  We now wish everyone a Happy and Peaceful New Year. With much continuing uncertainty and suffering in our world may we remember those who have so little having lost so much.

It was good to meet together at the Advent Group service at Templeton Village Hall on 26 November. Many attended with extra chairs brought in to accommodate everyone!  It was a lovely meaningful service and we thank Claire, Tim, the choir who sang so well & all who took part in any way. Thank you too for Templeton's hospitality and for the lovely cups of tea/coffee after.

Thank you to Claire who led our Remembrance Service & all who took part as we remembered the bravery & sacrifices, some with their lives, of all in our forces past & present.  A sum of over £200 was given to the Royal British Legion from Loxbeare Community.

At our first Advent service on 1 December, we held our Christingle service,  It was good to have some children with us.  Thank you to those who led, took part & made the Christingles etc.  The offering of £110 was given to The Children's Society.  

Please see middle pages of the magazine for dates, times & places for our services in January/February.  There will be a PCC meeting at Jean's on 23 January at 7.30.

Thank you to all who gave & donated towards Blythwood Shoebox appeal.  A total of twenty-seven shoeboxs were given to those who have little or no presents this Christmas. 

Again thank you to all who took time out of their day for our monthly prayer days held on the first weekend of each month.  6 & 7 January & 3 & 4 February.  Anyone wanting prayer points contact Jean on 01884 881400 or Carol 01884 881480.

Many thanks & much appreciation to those who have kept the Churchyard so next & tidy during the year & for any general maintenance of the Church etc inside & out!  Also thank you to all who have supported & contributed in any way to the manning of the Church.  For time & commitment given by those who have taken & helped in various ways in the Church services.  Thank you to all who have given financially over the past year.  If anyone would like to support the Church with regular donations or a one-off gift.  Please contact Carol on 01884 881480.

Our soup lunch with pudding will be on 27 January 12.30-2.30 and 10 February will be cream tea.  The Christmas/New Year's party 13 January is to be confirmed.

So as we go through the winter months of January/February we trust the weather will not be too disruptive & cold!  May we not forget those who are on their own during the long dark nights, feeling lonely and able to get out as much.