St Thomas Blog
Keep up to date with news and views from St Thomas Church!
Ordination of Revd Carys Puleston
Friday 12th July 2024
I am delighted to report the Ordination to the Diaconate of the Revd Carys Puleston on 29 June 2024 in Exeter Cathedral. Further pictures in the gallery here, and Carys' contact details on the pewsheet. Fr David Nixon
Notes from Revd Eliza's sermon - Easter 3
Friday 19th April 2024
When Rev Sarah asked me to preach today - I responded with a question: May I talk about Gaza? I go to sleep and wake up everyday thinking about Gaza. I wonder how many more people have died. Al Jazeera reported 7 days ago that according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza : At least 33,137 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli army in Gaza since the start of the war on October 7. Thousands more are missing under the rubble of collapsed buildings and infrastructure, and are presumed dead. This is not a war. A war presumes two equal sides attacking each other. This is a mass slaughter. When Ukraine was attack we in the western world were…
Holy Week Reflections
Wednesday 3rd April 2024
Mike Clark
We were all grateful for the talks given on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week by Revd Mike Clark during the mid-morning masses. If you open the whole page there is a link below. You can read the text of the talks here.
Easter Day sermon
Tuesday 2nd April 2024
Easter Day 2024 Revd Sarah When my grandparents retired, they announced that they were going to use their newfound freedom and explore Scotland, which was a lifelong ambition. They had gathered some savings and were going to take their time and see all of the sights. There was some concern when we got a phone call two weeks later - is everything ok? "Yes," they replied, "we've done Scotland!" They had indeed covered thousands of miles, visiting famous landmarks and cities, although we suspected that they had packed sandwiches and a flask each morning and never got out of the car! A tour of the carparks of Scotland might have been a better description. We are following Mark's gospel this year and…
Evening Reflection for 3rd Sunday in Lent
Saturday 9th March 2024
The overarching theme we have as a Church this Lent, 'Watch and Pray', focusses our attention on the moment in the gospels, between the last supper and his arrest, that Jesus spends some time alone praying, and while he is doing so, his disciples fall asleep. In John, Jesus prays in a garden—John has a fondness for gardens. Luke only tells us that Jesus was on the Mount of Olives. Matthew and Mark put him in a place called 'Gethsemane' though they don't say it is a garden. Traditionally, we blend all three and think of a garden called Gethsemane on or near the Mount of Olives. Click here to continue to read John Morgan's talk. [Photo by Jasmin Ne on Unsplash]
Bell Ringing at St Thomas Parish Church
Friday 23rd February 2024
The bell ringers meet weekly on Thursday evenings from 7.00pm to 8.30pm in the church tower. New as well as experienced ringers are most welcome to join us. If you have ever wanted to know how it's done come along and join in or observe. Contact the Tower Captain, Eric on 07966 927 834 or come along to the tower door at 7pm and see what's going on. We are able to teach new ringers the skills of Devon Call Changes. We also welcome interest groups such as schools, guides etc to visit for a small donation.
Mary and Martha
Monday 18th July 2022
Read HERE Dr Jon Morgan's reflection on the interaction between Jesus, Mary and Martha.
Happy Easter!
Sunday 17th April 2022
Revd Sarah shares some thoughts about the empty tomb on Easter morning. Read HERE
Holy Week Scripts
Sunday 17th April 2022
You can download here the talks given by Preb Philip Sourbut on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week, and the Thoughts for the Day during the Triduum given by the Rector, David Nixon.
Mothering Sunday
Saturday 2nd April 2022
Read here the talk given by Prof Susannah Cornwall for Mothering Sunday this year. The lectionary readings are also included. [Photo by Yoksel 🌿 Zok on Unsplash]