Welcome to St Germans Group Parish

Your Kingdom come.....Your will be done.
If you’re viewing this page on a phone or tablet, please turn to view in landscape mode, thank you. If you can’t see the list of services on the right hand side please use the connecting links or scroll down for these and other events and information.

New and events summary

Firstly, we are delighted that Rev. Laura has been able to return to the parish this week on a part-time basis. Laura has many items to attend to so please continue to contact your churchwardens for any matters or use the general email stgermanspriory@gmail.com

Coronation of King Charles III – Bring and Share lunch at Downderry

On Sunday we celerate the coronation of King Charles III with special services of Morning Worship at Downderry and Sheviock.
At St Nics Downderry, the service will be followed by a bring and share lunch starting at 12 noon. Coffee will be served after the service while preparations are being made, which will also give time for people to travel from elsewhere to join us for the lunch. All welcome, please bring along appropriate food to share!

 

 

Other events in the Benefice

Community Lunch at Downderry – the lunch planned for May 17th has been cancelled and the next lunch is planned for June 7th.

 


Thy Kingdom Come
– we celebrate Our Lord’s Ascension and wait on the coming of the Holy Spirit in this period from Ascension Day (Thursday 18th May) to Pentecost (Sunday 28th May). We will be holding three services on Zoom in this period:
Ascension Day – Thursday 18th May – Night prayer/Compline at 7pm
Monday 22nd May – Morning Prayer at 10am
Thursday 25th May – Night prayer/Compline at 7pm
Links for the services will be distributed nearer the time to all those who attended the online services during lockdown. Please email if you think you might not be on that list.
Pentecost – Sunday May 28th – United Service of Morning Worship at St Germans at 10am.

Booklets and leaflets will be available shortly.

Ordination of Steve Guffick
Steve will be ordained Deacon on Friday 23rd June at 7.30pm in Truro cathedral and all are welcome to attend and support him as he takes this big step forward.
Steve’s last service with us with be on Sunday 4th June when we will be having an united service of Holy Communion at Downderry at 10am.

The parish is now in transition (interegnum)

    • The main contacts for the St Germans Group parish now become the parish wardens.
    • Prayers for Rev. Laura please as she continues her ministry with us.
    • Pray for those working hard on the parish profile
    • More information about transition can be found by following these links:
    • General information
    • An overview document
    • A prayer for the parishes in transition:

Dear Lord, our God and Father, in this time of transition, give us eyes to see Your presence in our lives, ears to listen to Your will, lips to speak Your words, and hands to do Your work. Grant us grace and go before us, as we seek Your Holy Spirit’s counsel, as we live in community during this time, and as we prepare for the arrival of a new priest in our midst. In Your name we pray, in sure and certain hope of Your promises to us. Amen.

 

Ukraine

We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine, and also for those in Russia at this critical time. Let’s also remember the countless other people in Yemen, Syria and so many other countries in our troubled world.

 

Click here for a letter from our Archbishops.

Click here for a form of prayer from the 24-7 Prayer group (Lectio 365)

Our Worship

Details of our regular Sunday worship can be found here.

(Photo by Joshua Eckstein on Unsplash)

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


Next steps for On The Way

Deanery Synod – the next meeting will be on Thursday 18th May, 7pm for 7.30 at Bishop Cornish school. Current and new (post July 1st) Deanery Synod reps are invited to attend.
The meeting will cover updates for the On The Way Process and we are very pleased to welcome Bishop Hugh who will be speaking at the meeting.

The Diocese has just approved a 10 year plan that links the Deanery On The Way plans with Diocesan plans. You can read this by clicking this link: https://trurodiocese.org.uk/2023/05/diocesan-ten-year-plan-approved/

The Deanery Website will continue to carry the latest news for On The Way. Here’s the link to the website:

https://sites.google.com/view/east-wivelshire-deanery/on-the-way

A regular prayer meeting, which is open to all, is held on Monday at 9am, use this Zoom link https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2521792902?pwd=SVprSUdUUlFzeFF2L0NMOGM1NmxNQT09

 


Alpha Course

A new Alpha Course started on Thursday May 4th around 7pm at Richard Laugharne’s home and continues on a Thursday evening for the next few weeks. Speak to Richard Laugharne for details.

 



 

Pub theology successfully returned to the pub, now meeting at the Halfway House, Polbathic. The meetings run from 7.30 – 9pm on the fourth Monday

  • St Nics lunches Next event….June 7th

 

  • Click here for details of the events briefly described above.

Safeguarding Update for PCCs

All PCC members are required to complete the Basic Awareness Course every three years, the link for the course is here: https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org

Churchwardens must also complete the Leadership level every three years, please do check if you are in date, courses can be booked here: https://trurodiocese.org.uk/resources/safeguarding/training-safeguarding/leadership-training/

DBS checks are now valid for three years, while each Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) will keep an eye on this please do check your own certificate and ask the PSO for help to renew it if it was issued prior to 2019.

PCCs will also need to check they are compliant with the new Safer Recruitment procedures. https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/ParishSafeGuardingHandBookAugust2019Web.pdf

Home/Small Groups

Home Groups will be launching in the Benefice this September.  Those of you who have previously been involved in such groups will know that Home Groups are an important part of nurturing a church community, they keep the fire of faith burning between Sundays and therefore raise the spiritual temperature that we start from on a Sunday – we’ve already seen this effect through the weekday Zoom services.

The groups will meet weekly at a time to suit the group members and each group would have 6-8 people. The groups can use the time to discuss that week’s sermon, for prayer and fellowship.

Home Groups need a leader and a host, this may be the same person or it may be two people who pair up to run a Home Group.  Hospitality (Gospeltality!) is a key part of this; however it doesn’t need to take place in someone’s home.  Zoom could also be used to help accessibility for a group – although that does make offering coffee and cake slightly harder!

Thank you to those who have responded, we do have space for more groups though.  Once our leaders are in place, we will be looking for group members.  If leading is not for you, at this moment, do keep an eye out for information on how to join a group.


Newsletter

Our newsletter has been replaced by a diary of weeklyish events, which will be reflected here


 

  • Covid restrictions – we are currently reviewing our policies in the light of the forthcoming removal of restrictions.  We remain mindful of the government emphasis on all of us taking care of our own well being and safety. Our policies are designed to respect those in our congregations who are more vulnerable, and those who wish to continue with the restrictions. Mindful of the anxieties from our congregation and visitors, the churches have a responsibility to support public health. We will therefore continue to strongly encourage all our visitors to sanitise hands and practice social distancing. Wearing of masks is optional.
    • Our worship patterns will remain the same.
    • Holy Communion will continue to be in one kind (the bread) only. We will continue to remain in our seats for the sharing of the peace.
    • We will continue our strict cleaning regimes.
    • All our churches are open to visitors as places of interest, prayer and reflection.
    • We will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation and may change our advice as deemed necessary.

Online options

There are many options for worship and prayer online….

Or you could still listen to one of the many radio options – Radio 4, Radio Cornwall offer services on a Sunday around 8am.

Or you could look at: Church of England website that now has more services to join – or at many churches and cathedrals up and down the country who have other offerings

A very good resource is https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/church-online

Browse a whole range of prayers you can choose from to read – or listen to:

Or using your computer, tablet or phone (as you prefer) and from your web browser access morning and evening prayer using this link:

Click here and choose what you need.

To read or hear the prayer for today, click on this link: http://cofe.io/TodaysPrayer

Browse around the various pages and you’re sure to find something that interests you.

Alternatively download an App for your tablet or phone. Church House Publishing or provide a number of these Apps and these can be downloaded from https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/apps/daily-prayer

If you have any difficulties with the daily prayer or have any questions please email and we’ll try to help.
Have a browse around the Church House Publishing website as there are other things of interest, perhaps https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/apps/reflections-for-daily-prayer   Some of these apps require a small subscription, but Daily Prayer is free.

 

 



Safeguarding:

Ensuring that children and young people as well as adults are kept safe whilst in our care is an integral part of our church life. If you have any concerns about safeguarding please contact:

In the Parish: Rev. Laura Bushell-Hawke,  Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator, 01503 230676 (vicarage number, messages will be forwarded)

In the Diocese: Sarah Acraman Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, 01872 274351

Out of Hours for after 5pm and weekends: 01208 251300

In an emergency situation:

Local Authority Children’s Social Care: 0300 123 1116

Local Authority Adult’s Social Care: 0300 1234131


Parish Contacts

Parish Priest: Rev. Canon Lynn Parker has now retired. The main point of contact for all matters are the parish wardens. For weddings, funerals, baptisms and church services please make contact using the list below.

The general email for the parish is stgermanspriory@gmail.com

Curate: Rev. Laura Bushell-Hawke

Parish Wardens: Paul Gribble (pgribble55@gmail.com) and Rosemary Stevenson (RosemaryEStevenson@gmail.com)

Readers/Licensed Lay Ministers: Richard Laugharne, Margaret Sylvester-Thorne, David Watters, Matt Frost

For weddings, baptisms, funerals and church services:  David Watters and Margaret Sylvester-Thorne

Children’s work:Evelyn Reed, David Watters, Margaret Sylvester-Thorne, Rev Laura Bushell-Hawke

Messy Church: Evelyn Reed

For buildings and general parish enquiries: the Parish Wardens:   Paul Gribble and Rosemary Stevenson

For Safeguarding:  Rev Laura Bushell-Hawke

Pastoral Visitors Team:  Pat Paxton

Parish Giving Scheme:  Paul Gribble

Finances: the Treasurer, Paul Gribble

Electoral Roll: Rosemary Stevenson

Enquiries about individual churches:

Downderry:  Andrew Pidgen

Hessenford: Fran Moore

St Germans: Richard Laugharne

Tideford: Evelyn Reed

Deanery Synod Reps:  David Watters,  Rosemary Stevenson and Paul Gribble

Cashiers: Peter Daw – St Germans; Tim Pullin – Downderry; Hugh Parker – Tideford and Fiona Bristow – Hessenford.

Additional PCC Members from May 2021

Tim Pullin, Stephen Guffick, Tilly Thompson, Yvonne Byles, Hugh Parker, Susan Booth, Dawn Couling, Fiona Bristow, and Bill Woods.


Hire and other info on St Germans Priory Church for events:

The St Germans Priory Trust:   www.stgermanspriory.info

Hire of the Church Hall in Hessenfordhttp://www.hessenford.net

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~   News and Events in the Parish   ~

St Nic’s Lunches

Thanks to Sandra Pearce and her in getting the lunches and other events going again. The next event(s) is/are:

TBA….

Contact Rosemary (RosemaryEStevenson@gmail.com) or Paul (pgribble55@gmail.com)
to book a space

As always, no charge, but donations welcome.

 

Pub Theology

Now running monthly, and back in the pub!

Now meeting at the Halfway House, Polbathic.

Next meeting will now be on the fourth Monday, next meeting February 23rd discussing the Book of Revelation

A chance to discuss ideas and thoughts about all matter of things theological.

After a short introduction of 5 minutes (or more), the conversation is open.

Topics:       TBA….please let Richard have any suggestions

For enquiries or suggestions, ring Richard Laugharne (01503-230333) or email on richard.laugharne@nhs.net

All welcome! Click here to go back to top.

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2023 Events at St Germans Priory Church

TBA

Bell ringing practice every Thursday evening

Events in the Benefice


 

 

 

THE FOOD BANK – no change to the message – our help is needed

You will have read in the press that the need is greater than ever as the cost of living spirals ever higher. How can you help the Foodbank? The foodbanks have recently requested: Deodorant Fruit juice Jam/Marmite/Peanut butter Spaghetti hoops Tinned fruit Washing powder Anti bac cleaning spray Hair conditioner/shampoo Jars of pasta sauce It…

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St Germans Priory Trust

If you would like to volunteer to help the Project in any way please visit our website at www.stgermanspriory.info  and let us know your contact details. Board of Priory Trustees Chair- Richard Laugharne Vice Chair – Fiona Bristow Secretary – Brenda Daw Support Officer – Jo Rimron Ann Demaine Peter Daw Hugh Parker Bob Foulkes.

Read more
Latest News

News Archives

Rev Lynn Parker has now retired.

Please contact one of the parish wardens:

Paul Gribble on stggp.churchwarden2@gmail.com

Rosemary Stevenson on stggp.churchwarden1@gmail.com

Alternatively email us at stgermanspriory@gmail.com

St Germans, Hessenford, Downderry & Tideford services

If you are able, please consider a donation to help the work of the church in our community by clicking on the logo:

   

Details of our services are given below.

Please refer to main page for further details.

All services are at 10am unless otherwise noted

SundayDateLocation
Service
1st Sunday7th MaySheviockMorning Worship at 10am
King’s Coronation
DownderryMorning Worship at 10am followed by bring and share lunch at 12 noon
 2nd Sunday14th MaySt GermansHoly Communion at 10am with Rev Lynn
Rogation Sunday
 3rd Sunday
21st MayDownderryHoly Communion at 10am with Rev Brian Anderson
Easter 7
SheviockMorning Worship at 10am
 4th Sunday
28th MaySt GermansMorning Worship at 10am
Pentecost

 

*Please email stggp.churchwarden2@gmail.com for links to the online services in Holy Week

Regular weekday services:

Every Thursday 10am Hessenford Morning Prayer

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All our churches are open for private prayer.

A good resource for prayers and services is https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/church-online

foodbank

THE FOOD BANK – no change to the message – our help is needed

You will have read in the press that the need is greater than ever as the cost of living spirals ever higher.

How can you help the Foodbank?

The foodbanks have recently requested:

Deodorant

Fruit juice

Jam/Marmite/Peanut butter

Spaghetti hoops

Tinned fruit

Washing powder

Anti bac cleaning spray

Hair conditioner/shampoo

Jars of pasta sauce

It is the school holidays, a time when children need an endless supply of snacks, squash and packed lunches, so please consider this when donating.

There is a drop off point in the porch of St Nicolas, Downderry and St Anne’s, Hessenford.

The app BanktheFood is being used by our local foodbanks to show the Priority Items they need; it is in real time so is always up to date.  More information here

To give money directly to the foodbank – use this link:

https://liskeardlooe.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money/

Alternatively, if your supermarket has a foodbank bin, please put items in there.

If you could help through regular donations they would be extremely grateful. Setting up a Standing Order is ideal, but any donation would be wonderful. They can also take donations CAF and Stewardship schemes.

To learn a bit more about how the foodbank works, please click here to watch a useful video made by the Truro foodbank.

If you can help please contact the Liskeard & Looe Foodbank.

Tel: 07512 011452.

email: liskeard.foodbank@gmail.com

Thank you for your support.

East Wivelshire

The area of the Diocese of Truro area is that of the county of Cornwall including the Isles of Scilly. It was formed on 15 December 1876 from the Archdeaconry of Cornwall in the Diocese of Exeter. It is therefore one of the younger dioceses.

The diocese is divided into two archdeaconries:

Rural deaneries

The names of the older deaneries (before 1875) are based on those of the ancient hundreds though the boundaries do not always correspond. The deaneries created in 1875 in the episcopate of Frederick Temple were Bodmin, Stratton, St Austell, and Carnmarth. These remained unchanged until Carnmarth was divided; later still in the 1980s some alterations of boundaries occurred. Chronological Sequence:

Estwevelsire, 1259; Estwyvelschyre, 1291; Estwevelschire, 1366; Easte, 1672; East, 1847, 1980; East Wivelshire, 1997, 2009.

St Germans Group Parish PCC as from February 2020

Permanent members of the PCC

The Vicar – Rev Canon Lynn Parker

LayChair –  Rosemary Stevenson

Secretary – Evelyn Reed

Treasurer – Paul Gribble

Parish Wardens:

Paul Gribble and Bill Woods

Church Stewards:

Downderry: Andrew Pidgen
Hessenford: Fran Moore
Tideford: Sue Merrick
St Germans: Richard Laugharne

PCC members:

Downderry: Sue Booth, Jenny Daniels   Cashiers:  Tim Pullin
Hessenford: Yvonne Byles,  Dawn Couling.  Cashier:  Fiona Bristow
St Germans: Sue Merrick, Evelyn Reed.   Cashier: Peter Daw
Tideford:  Hugh Parker.  Cashier: Peter Daw

Deanery Synod Reps:

Margaret Sylvester-Thorne, David Watters. Bill Woods