Author: Sheenah Middle
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Stories from our Church Family
Faith journeys are rarely straightforward. For many people, they are shaped through struggle, loss, questions, and moments of unexpected grace. Sometimes faith can feel distant or buried beneath the weight of life — yet God continues to call us gently back towards Him. This deeply personal story has been written by our own Thomas Benson,…
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On Sunday we celebrated Pentecost — the day the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples and the Church was born.
With Pentecost, the Easter season comes to a close. We look back with joy on the journey from the empty tomb to that moment of fire and wind, of bold voices speaking in many tongues. What began with a frightened few gathered in an upper room became a Church sent out to carry the Good…
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🐦 Help us bring the swifts home to St Mary’s 🐦
Every summer, swifts return to our skies — screaming joyfully overhead and nesting in the towers of our oldest buildings. But UK swift numbers have fallen by over 60% in 30 years. They’re running out of places to call home. We want to change that, right here at St Mary’s. With the PCC’s blessing, we’re…
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🔔 Could You Be Our Next Bell Ringer? 🔔
The sound of church bells has called people to worship for centuries — and we’re looking for new ringers to help keep that tradition alive at our church. No experience needed! Full training is given, and you’ll join a friendly team who’ll show you the ropes (quite literally). It’s a wonderful way to learn a…
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🔥 Come and Celebrate Pentecost Sunday 🔥
The day the Spirit fell. The day the Church was born. Join us this Sunday at 9:30 AM as we celebrate Pentecost together — remembering the moment heaven’s wind and fire filled the upper room and set the disciples ablaze with the love of God. Whether you’re a regular or stepping through our doors for…
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Message of the Week: Lifted Up, Sent Out
“While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.” — Luke 24:51 The Ascension is easy to overlook, tucked between the wonder of Easter and the fire of Pentecost. But this moment matters. As Jesus rises out of sight, his final posture toward his disciples is one of blessing —…
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✨ Message of the Week ✨The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant📖 Matthew 18:21–35
Peter asked Jesus, “How many times should I forgive someone?” Perhaps expecting praise for suggesting seven times, he was astonished when Jesus replied, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus then told the story of a servant who had been forgiven an enormous debt by his master — a debt he could never repay. Yet,…
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🌿 Living Stones, A Prepared Place
“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places… I go to prepare a place for you.” — John 14:2 This week’s readings hold a beautiful tension. In John’s Gospel, Jesus comforts his troubled disciples with one of the most tender promises in all of Scripture: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” He is…
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☕🎂 SAVE THE DATE! 🎂☕
The Clergy Are Serving! Have you ever wanted to be waited on by your vicar? Now’s your chance! 😄 📅 Saturday 9 May ⏰ 10:30am – 12:30pm 📍 St Mary’s Café, Bideford For one morning only, our wonderful clergy team will be rolling up their sleeves to serve the tea, pour the coffee — and…
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💙 All Age Service: Forgiveness — Freely Received, Freely Given
📅 Sunday 10 May ⏰ 10:30am 📍 St Mary’s Church, Church Walk, Bideford EX39 2BP Some of the hardest words to say are “I forgive you” — and sometimes, “I’m sorry.” Yet forgiveness sits right at the heart of the gospel: a gift freely given to us, and a gift we’re invited to share with…
