Greetings from Christians Together across Exeter!
It is so exciting hearing about your events and helping promote them, then seeing you share things on your church noticeboards, pew sheets, and so on – things which you saw here from CTAX – Christians Together across Exeter.
So, do let us know of anything we can add to our list, and be sure to pass this around to friends and church-mates, and invite them to email us to get added to our growing contact list.
Peace,
Hannah, Ash, and the CTaX team
Events
Pray for Exeter
Rediscover Church, Northernhay, EX4 3ER
10-11am
Monthly Pray 4 Exeter prayer meeting, in the prayer room at Re-Discover Church in Northernhay Street from 10 til 11 am. We concentrate on current events, organisations and concerns in the Exeter area, but also national issues (in anon-partisan way) knowing these have a local effect.
Illuminate (Exeter Prophetic Hub) invite you to come on a journey of discoverywith this exciting spiritual course. In these sessions we look at beingempowered for Ministry. If you would like to join with us for this course,contact contact Christine and Sandra on exeterprophetichub@gmail.com for more info
World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement led by Christian women who welcome you to join in prayer and action for peace and justice. Prayer and action are what links us together around the globe. The WDP 2020 program is based on Jesus’ encounter in John 5:2-9. The focus theme is prayer for Zimbabwe. Poster attached. More info at https://www.facebook.com/events/496602414603476
Prayer in a Secular Age – Finding the secret of prayer in the earliest teachers, with Laurence Freeman OSB
7pm
St James’ Church, Mt Pleasant, EX4 7AH
Laurence Freeman is director and spiritual leader of WCCM, the World Community for Christian Meditation. Poster attached.14th March
New Housing Hub – Day Conference
9.30am-4pm
At the Mint Methodist Church, EX4 3AT
In this time of housing crisis, new housing developments are springing upacross Devon. Whole new communities are emerging sometimes with little in the way of community facilities, often with little capacity to nurture friendships amongst the new residents, usually against a backdrop of local protest, and almost always without a church building. Our challenge as Christians is to workout our response to this changing landscape. The New Housing Hub is committed to encouraging Christians to be a prophetic voice of welcome, amidst the sea of protest, and to work together in order to share God’s love with every new housing area. Booking and more info here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/91333542083
14th March-15th March
YMCA Sleep Easy
7pm-7am
“Every year we aim to raise thousands of pounds in order for us to continue providing, building and maintaining clean and safe supported accommodation for homeless young people. 2020 marks the 10th year of Sleep Easy and we are looking for people to sign up, fund raise and join us for this event.” Poster attached. Email emily.hornsby@ymcaexeter.org.uk or call 01392 410530 if you have any questions.
At Crediton Congregational Church, EX17 3LB
With Rev Dr Barbara Glasson, President of the Conference of the Methodist Church
A warm welcome awaits all who are interested in exploring progressive Christianity. Admission is £3 for members – free admission for first time visitors (donations always welcome)! Refreshments available. More info www.pcnbritain.org.uk (poster attached)21st March
And a look ahead to events beyond Easter:
At Exeter Cathedral
Delve into the history of the Green as we explore the fascinating surrounds of the Cathedral like you have never imagined them, tracing its history from Roman times to the present day. Discover Exeter’s cemetery (you may be surprised!)and find out about the buildings of the Close as well as the construction of both the Norman and the Gothic Cathedrals. Tickets £14 per person(includes admission), tours last 90 mins. More info: www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/news-events/whats-on/stones-and-bones-the-cathedral-precinct-tours
8th May (VE Day Bank Holiday)
Ringing Out For Peace
7pm
Bells in cathedrals, churches and other locations will ring out at 7pm on 8th May next year to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE day. Church bells will be rung throughout our nation and around the world – more information about how you can get involved here: www.veday75.org
Churches Tent at Devon County Show
Churches Together Devon run a Christian presence at Devon County Show, which is held at Westpoint Arena and Showground on the edge of Exeter. Get in contact with County Ecumenical Officer Paul Snell for more info or if you’d like to help: ceo@ctdevon.org.uk
Sat. May 16th. – Set-up. Can your Church help? Wed. May 20th. – Pre-Show Service 6.00pm a welcome to all Exeter Churches.
30th May
2-2:30pm
South West Awake
A chain of prayer and praise around the south west coastal path. Join Christians of all traditions on one of the 630 miles of the coast path to pray Thy Kingdom Come.
For more info and to sign up visit
www.southwestawake.com
31st May
Thy Kingdom Come: Ecumenical Pentecost Service
6pm
At Exeter Cathedral
Don’t miss this uplifting and empowering celebration of the Church’s birthday!
1st-7th June
Joyfest
All across the city
Bring God’s love to those you meet, with acts of joy, so that they see the Church is alive and well in Exeter, and is for them. More info here: https://joyfest.org.uk/
24th June
Spree SW, Organised by South West Youth Ministries (SWYM) and Urban Saints
At Westpoint, EX5 1DJ
Hugely popular camping and activity weekend for young people ages 8-17, who come as part of an organised group from their church or Christian youth/children’s group. Booking for Spree SW 2020 is now open: www.spreesw.org6th–7th July
Living and Telling SW 2020
9.30am-4.30pm each day
At Mary Arches St, Exeter EX4 3BA
LIVING AND TELLING is designed to envision, train and equip every Christian to share Jesus naturally and confidently, as a way of life. You will go through 10 video sessions, experiencing the resources which you will then be able to run in your own Living and Telling locally, in your church, house group, CU or youth group! Early Bird £20 (includes all your resources and refreshments).
“Share your faith naturally.”
“It changed my life.”
“Every Christian needs this.”
For more info, email: timmoyler@agape.org.uk
Vacancies
1. Volunteer with CTAX! We are looking for a volunteer to be either our Meetings Secretary or our Treasurer! Full training and support will be provided and our current post holders will provide a comprehensive handover. So… are you interested in Christian unity and churches working, witnessing, and worshiping together? Might God be nudging you to volunteer with us? Why not get in touch? You can find out more about what we do at www.ctax.btck.co.uk and email us on ctaxexeter@gmail.com for more information.
2. The charity Re-Engage are looking for some volunteers. Reengage organise monthly Sunday afternoon gatherings for small groups of older people aged 75 and over who are dealing with loneliness and social isolation. Please get in touch with lissy@enc.uk.net so we can get you connected with the charity.
4. Bridge Books are looking for someone to regularly update their Website, Facebook and advertising in general. Working from the shop, initially for 7-10 hrs per week.Interested or know someone who may be? Email gary@bridgebooksexeter.co.uk to find out more.
News
1. PRAY 2020: a prayer initiative calling on Christians to pray for 20 minutes, at 20:20, on the 20th of each month in 2020. More info: https://www.hopetogether.org.uk/Groups/327007/Prayer_2020.aspx
2. Lent resources: Lots available, for example:
The Anglican church’s #LiveLent campaign on climate/ecological crises here: https://exeter.anglican.org/caring-for-gods-creation-new-live-lent-40-day-challenge/
3. The latest Churches Together newsletters for Devon (www.ctdevon.org.uk) and England (www.cte.org.uk/news)