Primley_Feb_March_2020

A warm and friendly place,
come in and feel at home.

February and March
2020

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PRIMLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

Did you know …
there is a warm welcome for YOU at our Church?
We worship and serve the living God who has the power
through His Son, Jesus Christ, to bring love, peace, joy and a
sense of purpose to our lives, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We are a United Reformed Church, part of the family of

Christian churches here in Sidmouth.
We are committed to bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ
and an understanding of the Christian way of life to the town in

which we live.
Our worship on Sunday morning commences at 10.30am and is

relaxed and informal.
All are welcome.

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Dear Friends
Firstly, a very Happy New Year to you all! Sorry it’s now
February!

“All I ask of you is this: act justly, love tenderly, and walk
humbly with your God.” Micah 6: 8

What a wonderful new year this would be if the whole world
could adhere to these words from the book of Micah.
January creates a bit of a breather after the manic time over
Christmas and New Year. But come February and March
everything seems to get into full swing! Valentines Day,
Keswick in Devon, World day of Prayer. Lent services and
lunches.
Lent is the season to observe and commemorate the passion,
death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our
Saviour and Redeemer. It is an opportune time to reflect on
what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Valentines Day has its origins in the Roman festival of
Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which
celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and
the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of
the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St
Valentine's Day.
Women’s World Day of Prayer started in the USA in 1887,
and then moved on to the British Isles in the 1930s. The
movements focus on ecumenism, and reconciliation led to
growth after World War II. Since 1927 the March day is
known as Women’s World Day of Prayer.
Through the World Day of Prayer, women are encouraged to
become aware of the other countries and cultures and no
longer live in isolation. They are also encouraged to take up the

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burdens of other people, to sympathize with the problems of
other countries and cultures and pray with and for them. They
are further encouraged to become aware of their talents and
use them in the service of society. The World Day of Prayer
aims to demonstrate that prayer and action are inseparable
and that both have immeasurable influence in the world.

So………….put these three events together and it seems to me
that the theme of LOVE runs through each one.

In Lent we begin to remember that God shows his deep love
for humanity by sending his only Son to die for our sins, and
that by believing on Him we will be with Him in our eternal life.

On Valentine’s Day we have the opportunity to say “I love you”
and “thank you” to a special person who means the world to us.

On the World day of Prayer women and men can uphold in love
people of other countries, both in prayer and in practical
service that help change all lives for the better. Therefore let
us love one another as Christ has loved us.

Maggie

Commitment for Life prayer for February
Dear God,

We hear the prophets’ call to justice, peace and action. We
invite you to pierce our complacency, fire our hearts and
strengthen our wills. This world is hurting, broken and

wounded. Use our feet to stride towards justice. Use our hands
to bring about healing. Use our mouths to preach Good News.
Use our gifts to usher in peace, equity, reconciliation and love.
Dear God, acting justly is not easy. Yet this is what you ask of
us. In your mercy, O God, hear our prayer. Amen.

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SHARING
There isn’t much that I can do,
But I can share my bread with you,
and sometimes share the sorrow too-
There isn’t much that I can do,
but I can sit an hour with you,
and I can share a joke with you,
and sometimes share reverses too-
There isn’t much that I can do,
but I can share my flowers with you,
and I can share my books with you
and sometimes share your burdens too –
There isn’t much that I can do,
but I can share my songs with you,
and I can share my mirth with you,
and sometimes come and laugh with you-
There isn’t much that I can do,
but I can share my hopes with you,
And I can share my fears with you,
And sometimes shed some tears with you-
There isn’t much that I can do,
But I can share my friends with you,
And I can share my life with you,
And oftentimes share a prayer with you.

From: “You gotta keep dancing” Grace Magazine

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God’s Valentine Gift
God's Valentine gift of love to us

Was not a bunch of flowers;
It wasn't candy, or a book
To while away the hours.

His gift was to become a man,
So He could freely give

His sacrificial love for us,
So you and I could live.

He gave us sweet salvation, and
Instruction, good and true--

To love our friends and enemies
And love our Saviour, too.

So as we give our Valentines,
Let's thank our Lord and King;
The reason we have love to give

Is that He gave everything.
By Joanna Fuchs

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FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT 2020

Monday 24th February - Sunday 8th March

At Christmas time there were successful Fairtrade food,
fashion and craft sales at the Parish Church, Sidmouth College,
St Francis and the Methodist Church. Profits were donated to
‘Traidcraft Exchange’ a Christian Charity that trains farmers
and enables them to make a living income through trade rather
than aid.

Sidmouth has lots of Fairtrade Events planned.

Sidmouth Library have once again agreed to have a Fairtrade
Display, raffle, children’s story time and Coffee Morning. The
Coffee Morning will be on Saturday 29th February at 10:30 am.

During Fairtrade Fortnight, Devon Fairtrade Towns Group
(including Sidmouth) have invited two cocoa farmers from
Kuapa Kokoo (Divine chocolate) Ghana to spend two weeks in
Devon. They are Mr Ernest Boateng and Ms Vida Ahyia. These
visitors will be in Sidmouth on Friday 28th February. During
the morning they will be working with a team from Devon
Development Education (DDE) at the Sid Valley Schools’
Conference to be held at Sidmouth Primary School. After lunch
they will be at St Teresa’s Hall for a Fairtrade Sale of craft,
food and fashion, a Waitrose stall as well as tea and cake. This
begins at 2:30 pm. - all are very welcome. As well as hearing

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about empowering women in the cocoa industry - the Fairtrade
Foundation’s main theme – we will hear how climate change is
affecting farmers in West Africa and ways that farmers are
adapting.

Other activities during Fairtrade Fortnight include:

 Coffee & Cake/ biscuits at the Parish Church (St Nicholas
& St Giles) after the 10am service on both Sundays in
Fairtrade Fortnight - 1st March & 8th March.

 Fairtrade refreshments after RC Mass on both Sundays
at St Teresa’s Hall.

 Community Fairtrade and Local Breakfast at the
Methodist Church Hall from 9:30 am until noon with sale
of Traidcraft crafts and food. Any profit made will be
donated to ‘Traidcraft Exchange’.

Sometimes, people are unsure which cafes, stores and hotels
sell Fairtrade items. Samantha Rutherford continues to work
towards a local directory of shops, hotels, B&B, cafes and
restaurants that sell Fairtrade items in Sidmouth.

Please continue to ask for Fairtrade whenever possible. If we
are serious about Fairtrade we need to be serious about
supporting all farmers everywhere as they make difficult
choices.

Fairtrade in Britain is about making conscious choices, such as
spending a bit more money to help all farmers who are
committed to nourishing the earth and investing in biodiversity,
as well as ensuring that farmers across the world get a living
wage.

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A Prayer for Fairtrade

Creator God,
You created a beautiful world for all your children.
As we taste and smell the fruits of this creation
help us to remember those who farm the land to grow them.

Help us live in a partnership of love and support
with those who produce our food and drink

so that we might enable others to feed their families
and create a sustainable future. Amen.

CHRISTMAS CARD DONATIONS

Thank you for your Christmas greeting cards to each other and
your donations towards St Petrock’s.

A cheque was given to Lucy Patrick on January 19th from
Primley Church with an extra donation from Church Funds.

The total cheque amount was £100.00

Also Carol Singing for Christian Aid in Sidmouth on December
20th and 21st raised £182.  Not bad for two hours work!
Thank you!
  Jill

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Invitation to Sunday Lunch

PRIMLEY CHURCH HALL
March 1st 2020

Do you spend Sundays by yourself? Do you
like to meet new people? Would you like
someone else to cook Sunday lunch for
you?

If you answer ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, please accept
our invitation to Sunday Lunch. *No charge * No catch* *and
No washing up!*
If you are interested and especially if you require transport,
please telephone: 01395 577396 or 597464
And as always this cannot be done without a band of volunteers
providing food, serving, giving lifts, just chatting and making
people feel welcome.
Thank you to everyone who gives their time towards these
church outreach occasion.
Voluntary contributions towards cost of the meat always
welcome.

P.S. - The following Sunday Lunch will be on May 3rd

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MOTHERING SUNDAY – March 22nd

A woman is like a teabag….you never know how strong she is
until you put her in hot water!!

God of love, passionate and strong, tender and careful, watch
over us and hold us all the days of our life.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Loving God,

We thank you for our mothers, who gave life to us, and who
care for us. We are blessed by their self-sacrifice and love.

Bless them with your love. Amen.

Loving God 
Thank you for mums and children, and for all the joy of family

life. 
Be with those who are grieving because they have no mother;

Be close to those who are struggling because they have no
children;

Be near to those who are sad because they are far apart from
those they love.

Let your love be present in every home, 
And help your church to have eyes to see and ears to hear the

needs of all who come. 
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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SIDBURY IN DRAMA
Presents a traditional Pantomime

MOTHER GOOSE

FEB 26th, 27th, 28th,29th, at 7.30pm
Sidbury Village Hall

TICKETS AVAILABLE IN EARLY FEBRUARY
FROM DREWS BUTCHERS, SIDBURY
Come along and have some fun!!

BAR & RAFFLE

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Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.
It’s a new day.
You’re breathing
You’re blessed
God is too good
for you to wait

until Friday to thank Him.
Thank You Lord for this New Day.

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Primley Prayer Page

Please remember the following in your own personal prayer
times and pray for: -
*Wednesday Lent Services/Lunches, Keswick in Devon, World
day of Prayer and Fairtrade Fortnight.
* Our House groups/Bible Studies as we share God’s Word and
enjoy fellowship together.
* Krèche and Co, as the time is used by the leaders with the
mums and toddlers, to share God’s love amidst the fun!
* The continuing witness of “Open the Book” in Sidmouth
Primary School. We thank God for this opportunity and are
humbled that it is so well received.
* All the people who lead our worship on Sundays and we thank
God for their commitment to our church.
* Our Friendship Lunches that those who come will find warmth
and friendship amongst the church fellowship.
* Those of our congregation and those known to us personally
who are unwell or struggling.
* For Primley as we host the Lent Service and Lunch on March
18th.
* For the future of our Church and for everyone within our
congregation.
If you have items you would like included on this page in future
magazines, please let either Maggie or Richard have the
details. Thank you.

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Lent 2020– Ecumenical Lent Services and Lunches with
fundraising for Christian Aid

Worship and Talk 11.45am – 12.15pm

Lent 1 Date Time Venue
Lent 2 March 4th 11.45am Parish Church
Lent 3 March 11th 11.45am Methodist Church
Lent 4 March 18th 11.45am Primley URC
March 25th 11.45am Catholic Church

All Welcome
The event begins with a short act of worship followed by a
soup, bread and cheese lunch.
The 4 talks will be given by Ann Worthington and will be based
around caring for our World.

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God loves each of us as if there
were only one of us.

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Keswick in Devon – March 2nd – March 6th
Chris Sinkinson and Helen Morris are our main speakers

They will be leading us through studies on:

“CHANGE IS ALL AROUND US. DO CHRISTIANS NEED TO CHANGE?”

Monday March 4th at 7.45pm

Introductory talk
“A wise Life”

Doors open 10.00am and 7.00pm Tuesday - Friday
All Saints' Church, Sidmouth, EX10 8ES

Chris Sinkinson lectures at Moorlands College in Biblical
Studies and Christian Doctrine. He was pastor of a church in
the New Forest area for ten years previously and has a
particular interest in the archaeological background to the
Bible. Having taken part in excavations in Galilee he gets the
nickname Indiana Jones and is often thought to belong in a
museum! Married with two teenage boys, his spare time is
often filled with the activities that go with a family life. When
not involved in ministry he likes nothing more than long walks in
open countryside, often accompanied by a faithful West
Highland Terrier.  This will be Chris's second visit to Keswick
in Devon.

Dr. Helen Morris lectures in Applied Theology at Moorlands
College and is course leader for the College’s BA programmes.
Her PhD was completed at St Mary’s University, Twickenham,
in the area of contemporary ecclesiology. She has authored a

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book based on this research, entitled Flexible Church: Being
the Church in the Contemporary World. Alongside working at
the college, Helen is involved in the worship band at her local
church and preaches in both her own church and others in the
area. She is a ministry leader with Richmond Holidays, where
she gets to combine two of her biggest passions: teaching the
Bible and skiing. Helen enjoys living near the sea and makes the
most of her proximity to the beach through paddle boarding,
running, and swimming.

Seminars are held on Friday morning, continuing the theme of
the week, with the opportunity to attend two of the four
offered.  Our seminar speakers in 2020 are: Chris Sinkinson,
Helen Morris, Andy du Feu and Peter Holloway

RAIDERS OF THE BIBLICAL WORLD with Chris Sinkinson

How have the latest archaeological discoveries from the Holy
Land cast light on our reading of the Bible? From the shores of
Galilee to the heart of Jerusalem, Chris will share from both
his own experience and recent news reports that reveal
material evidence for Biblical claims. This seminar is also an
opportunity to consider the contemporary scepticism over the
historical value of the Bible. If there is so much evidence, why
does our mainstream media seem so often to ignore it?

COMMUNITY AND IDENTITY: BEING THE CHURCH IN A
SECULAR AGE with Helen Morris

This seminar will introduce some recent ideas in theology that
help us understand our secular context. We’ll explore topics
such as identity, gender, sexuality, spirituality and religion and
identify some opportunities and challenges that the
contemporary world provides. 

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SOCIAL MEDIA : GIFT FROM GOD OR CURSE FROM HELL
with Andy du Feu

In this session you will be able to reflect theologically on the
near universal embrace of digital platforms and how Christians
might utilise these platforms to communicate the gospel
effectively.  Andy is Vice-Principal, Academic at Moorlands
College, and his teaching portfolio includes digital theology **.
His book, “ Looking Good Naked: Youth Ministry and the Body
of Christ”, is being released in 2020. 

** digital theology is the recognition of the rise of the study
of religion online, and the need for theological scaffolding to
support faithful, biblically-consistent interventions and
involvement on digital platforms, such as social media apps, the
use of data, etc. (James 1.17; 3.13-17)

IS THERE HOPE FOR EVERYONE OR ARE SOME BEYOND
HOPE ? with Peter Holloway

Peter is CEO of Prison Fellowship, whose 2,800 volunteers
support the 120 prisons of England and Wales.  He will ask, “as
followers of Christ, how should we view and respond to crime
and those who commit it?” And whether, “we really believe that
no one is beyond hope.”  Peter has a background in aviation, HR
and international humanitarian work and is married with two
grown-up children.

To round off the week, on Friday at 7.15pm we offer something
slightly different, a special family friendly evening of Fun,
Tricks and Laughter to mark the 40th Anniversary of Keswick in
Devon, with Steve Legg and Tony Vino.

Steve Legg

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Steve is an international baffler and funny guy who had made
hundreds of TV appearances and visited 23 countries using his
unique mix of tricks and comedy to communicate the Gospel to
young and old. He is celebrating 32 years on the road in 2020.

He is a regular contributor at major Christian events including
Spring Harvest, New Wine and Big Church Day out and is the
author of 17 books as well as having launched Sorted Magazine
the world’s most wholesome lads mag which can be found in
gyms, bars in London as well as airport lounges globally.

Tony Vino

Tony is the only half Spanish half Scottish hybrid working
comic in the world !!

Born in Malaga Tony was subsequently raised on the Costa Del
Preston, Lancashire. When only a toddler his Father looked
around as saw the sea, sand and sunshine of the Andalucian
coast and thought “we need to be nearer Wigan Pier”.

Tony has been performing across the UK and Internationally
since 2005 and is a regular on the Carnival Cruise Line. He has
enjoyed recognition both as a comedian and a comedy compere
hosting festivals and corporate events and has also entertained
at high profile events for charities such as TearFund, Christian
Aid and Oxfam.

Doors open at 6.45pm; seats cannot be reserved.  It's free to
come; gifts to help cover costs can be made at the door.

This is an evening not to be missed!

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World Day of Prayer 2020
MARCH 6th

RISE! TAKE YOUR MAT AND WALK

The service this year has been prepared by the women of
Zimbabwe.
Sadly there is no service in Sidmouth this year.
However, there is a service at:
St Mary’s Church, Ottery St Mary at 11am.

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Si

dholme Music Room

Concert Details

Sidholme Music Room, Elysian Fields, Sidmouth, EX10 8UJ
Free entry with retiring collection unless shown otherwise.

Sunday  2nd February 3.30-4.30pm
A SUNDAY PIANO SELECTION -
Ed. Newsom at the Yamaha Conservatoire Grand

Sunday 9th February 3.30-4.30pm
MOMENTOUS MELODIES from
The Pinwood Pipes Consort

Sunday 16th February 3.30-4.30pm
THE BEL CANTO CHOIR IN CONCERT
M.D. Alan Boxer

Thursday 20th February 7.30-9.30pm
STAIRCASE OPERA
THE CONSUL - GIAN CARLO MENOTTI
In English and in the round.
Limited seating, apply early
Tickets from Paragon Bookshop
Adult £16: Students 16-25 £8
Under 16 £5.

Sunday 1st March 3.30-4.30pm
PROFESSOR DAVID SAINT
at the Sidholme Organ

Sunday 8th March 3.30-4.30pm

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Joyce Clarke - Piano Recital
Sunday 15th March 3.30 -4.30pm
The Gioisca Trio - An eclectic range of music from Bach,
Handel and Scarlatti to Gershwin and Bernstein
Heloise West : Soprano, Claude Lamon : Trumpet, David Davies:
piano and organ
Tickets £10 (under 16 free) from Paragon Bookshop or
Sidholme Reception See also www.davidjuliandavies.co.uk
Sunday 29th March 3.30-4.30pm
Chris Gradwell : Clarinet with the Orchard Sounds of Strings :
Isabelle Woollcott, Anna Cockroft, Ruth James, Nicola Smith.

HOUSE GROUP and BIBLE STUDY
The House Group meets on Wednesdays
at 2.30pm. Venue - .18, Western Court
Next meetings will be on: - February
12th and 26th March - TBA.
The Bible Study & Discussion Group is at
2 Temple Mews,
10.30am every 4th Friday.
Next dates:- Feb 28th & March 27th

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ROTAS FOR February 2020

2nd 9th 16th 23rd
Roger
Elder Roger Barbara Richard Alison
Door
Stewards Eleanor Roger & Barbara
Marilyn

Holy Communion - Barbara and Jill

ROTAS FOR March 2020

1st 8th 15th 22nd 29th

Elder Roger Barbara Richard Roger Barbara

Door Alison Roger and Barbara Eleanor Alison

Stewards Marilyn

Holy Communion - Eleanor and Mary

Lent Service March 18th – Elder – Barbara
Door Stewards - Roger and Marilyn

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If you cannot do duty, please remember to swap with someone
else.

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February 2020 PREACHERS
2th Rev Sabrina Groschel
9th
16th Rev Iain McDonald
Geoff Powell
23rd
Rev Robert Jennings

March 2020 PREACHERS
1st
Paul Skinner
8th 1st Sunday in Lent
15th Bobby and Malcolm Fortnam
22nd Rev Philip Wagstaff
Richard Wainwright
29th Mothering Sunday
Rev Alison Griffiths
April 5th
Rev Robert Jennings
Palm Sunday

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CHURCH DIARY FOR February 2020

7th Friday 10.00am Krèche& Co
Parent & Toddler Club

12th Wednesday 2.30pm House Group
(18 Western Court)

14th Friday 10.00am Krèche& Co
Parent & Toddler Club

26th Wednesday 2.30pm House Group
(18, Western court)
28th Friday 10.00am
Krèche&Co
28th Friday 10.30am Parent and Toddler Club
Bible Study & Discussion

(2 Temple Mews)

MAGAZINE

The deadline for the next church magazine will be March 16th
for the April/May edition. Please e-mail to
[email protected]

or give printed / written copy to Maggie Knights.

The Primley website address is:-www.primleyurc.co.uk

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CHURCH DIARY FOR March 2020

1st Sunday 12.15pm Community Friendship Lunch.
6th Friday 10.00am
Krèche& Co
6th Friday 11.00am Parent & Toddler Club
World day of Prayer –
13th Friday 10.00am Parish Church, Ottery St Mary

14th Saturday 10.15am Kreche & Co
Parent & Toddler Club
18th Wednesday 11.45am
SW Synod Meeting
(Westfield URC , Bridgwater)
Primley Lent Service and Lunch

20th Friday 10.00am Krèche& Co
22nd Sunday 10.30am Parent & Toddler Club

Mothering Sunday

27th Friday 10.00am Krèche& Co
27th Friday 10.00am Parent & Toddler Club
Bible Study & Discussion

(2 Temple Mews)

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Contacts

Secretary
Maggie Knights
60 Bridge Street
Sidbury EX10 0RU
Tel: 01395 597464
Interim Treasurer
Mr Richard Wainwright
Tel: 07586 346521
Hall Lettings Secretary
Maggie Knights for bookings/payment
01395 597464

Church Services

Sundays:
10.30am: Family Worship
4th Sunday each month: Holy Communion

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As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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