LIVING IN LOVE AND FAITH (Posted 1st October 2021, updated 27th December and 10th June 2022)

30+ people from across our mission community took part in three groups using the Living in Love and Faith course, which looks at issues of identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. There was very positive discussion, and several participants have sent in comments and contributions as the Church of England reaches a crucial stage in the debate about these issues. As a group of churches we are committed to welcoming all, and many of us want to see change to a far more accepting position in the Church of England.

CURATE LAURA TO TAKE A YEAR’S ABSENCE (Posted 28th November 2021)

Laura writes: I am going to pause my role as curate and take a year’s leave on 1st January. I am delighted to share with you that I’m becoming a parent, adopting a 5 year old boy who I’ll meet and bring home in the early weeks of 2022. It has been a long process, one that Tom Benson and the Archdeacon have been part of since the beginning two years ago, and a calling that is best fulfilled whilst I’m a curate.

We shall greatly miss Laura’s enthusiasm, ebullience and her concern to make sure that all is as well organised as possible. We wish her well as she becomes mother to a little boy, and offers him the care and support he needs.

Gina will of course be in overall charge of the Mission Community and its 7 churches, supported by the other members of the ministry team. However, Gina is meant to be half-time, and the other team members are all voluntary, so it is clear things are going to be tight. So do please do all you can to support our ministry team.

THE NEXT STAGE OF THE JOURNEY (Posted 20th June 2021)

Following the move of the Rev Tom Benson to a new parish, we are starting on the process of seeking a new incumbent. The churchwardens of all our parishes and the clergy and readers are meeting together, and beginning to work on the profile which will describe our various churches, the overall mission community, the different needs, and the qualities and gifts we are looking for in a new Team Rector.

The life of the Mission Community now continues – the exciting journey of following the Lord’s leading.

We thank Tom for the huge amount he has done over the last years. We shall greatly miss his ministry among us, but we wish him and Maryanne well for their new future.

Tom’s last Sunday morning service with us was on June 6th, and concluded with worship in the open-air behind St Luke’s Church, Buckfastleigh, including a presentation on behalf of Buckfastleigh Town Council. Photos below.