NEWSFLASH


New pattern of Services for 2011

Church representatives from eight KaDCA parishes agreed last night a new pattern of church services starting in February next year.

It was the first time the eight parishes - Cheriton Fitzpaine, Kennerleigh, Poughill, Puddington, Stockleigh English, Stockleigh Pomeroy, Washford Pyne and Woolfardisworthy - have met as a group under the leadership of Rev. Steven Smith of Cheriton Fitzpaine, following earlier decisions to split the current North Creedy team of 18 parishes into two. Rev. Lindsey Starrs will lead the new western grouping of parishes.

After the meeting, Rev. Smith said he was "deeply encouraged" by the result.

Where appropriate and as the demands of holidays or temporary illness dictate other qualified church ministers will take services on an ad hoc basis. In months with five Sundays one group service will be held by Rev. Smith for his area and another group service will be held by Rev. Starrs in her area.

Details of the new service pattern for both areas will be published in full in the next, December, issue of Cross Country. Rev. Smith's group will meet again on June 1 in Poughill village hall, as last night, to review the new arrangements which will still be subject to overall review by the diocesan authorities in September.

In an atmosphere of co-operation and positive thinking about the best way forward there was much give and take in last night's meeting in Poughill. Each parish was invited to look at its present pattern of priest-led services to see what could be forfeited for the common good. It was also agreed that beginning next year for logistical reasons Christmas midnight services will always be taken by Rev. Smith in Cheriton Fitzpaine.

After last night's meeting Rev. Smith said he was "deeply encouraged by the outcome and the manner in which participants had come together" to create a sensible plan for future services in his area. Churchgoers at last night's meeting were invited to devise a name for the new group.



RIDING ACROSS N.CREEDY TEAM IN A DAY

On Saturday, September 11 Patrick May of Cheriton Fitzpaine (above left, in blue) completed a 50 mile bike ride visiting 20 churches - from Coldridge in the west to Stockleigh Pomeroy in the east - in aid of Devon Historic Churches Trust, raising £750 for the Trust in the process. His son, Edward, met him on his bike for the last six churches (and rode 14 miles) while father-in-law, Don King, from Kennerleigh (above right), managed to visit six churches and covered 22.5 miles - on his 77th birthday.


Devon Historic Churches Trust annually raises more than £40 000 to help fund repairs to places of worship of all denominations throughout Devon.


Participating churches provide cool drinks and biscuits in the churches for participating striders and riders. 


Don told us: "I didn't intend to ride that far but it was such a glorious day and when we emerged from cross country tracks on the Newbuildings road, with Morchard Bishop church on the skyline and Dartmoor beyond it put us in mind of the phrase 'God's Own Country.' There was absolutely no way I was going to turn round and go home at that point. And, it was great fun to meet other riders and striders like Mary Ann Hill, and the Kings of Crediton, en route - all doing our bit for this charity."

More information is available on the website -www.devonhistoricchurches.co.uk