Benefice of South Tawton with Belstone

Sunday May 28th Easter 7 Sunday After Ascension
8.30 am     Holy Communion (modern) Sticklepath
9.30 am     Family Communion South Tawton
11.15 am    Parish Communion Belstone
6.30 pm     Meditation and prayers for healing Sticklepath

Sunday June 4th Pentecost
8.30 am     Holy Communion (Modern) South Zeal
9.30 am     Family Communion Belstone

Sunday June 11th Trinity Sunday
8.30 am     Holy Communion (1662) Sticklepath
9.30 am     Parish Communion South Tawton
9.30 am     Junior Church. Church House
11.15 am    Parish Communion Belstone

Sunday June 18th Trinity One
8.30 am     Holy Communion (1662) South Zeal
9.30 am     Junior Church. Church House
10.00 am    Benefice Communion South Tawton
6.30 pm     Taize Service today

Sunday June 25th Trinity Two
8.30 am     Holy Communion (modern) Sticklepath
9.30 am     Family Communion with Holy Baptism South Tawton
11.15 am    Parish Communion Belstone
6.30 pm     Meditation and prayers for healing Sticklepath

All Welcome

Rectory Ramblings
Recently we were privileged to be guests on the annual twinning weekend for the villages of Bratten Clovelly and Nonant in Normandy. It was slightly strange not having a foot, so to speak, in either camp. The journey went smoothly, the reception was warm, the number of kisses on the cheek depended it seemed on how well one new the other person. I therefore began with English reserve! Having no skill with languages I gazed at our host with what was I hope a knowing look, we managed to get by, music being a great leveler, we sang along together.

When you don’t drink, a little wine goes a long way and our host supplied more than a little wine, not to mention local spirits and champagne. The relaxed feeling enjoyed may have been the reason for the English success at boules. The area set aside for play in the village was occupied and more kisses interrupted the local’s game. We adjourned to the car park and were humble in victory.

The Bayeux tapestry was an amazing example of the craftsmanship of nearly one thousand years ago, beautifully preserved and presented. At the end of 70 meters of needlework there was Harold with the infamous arrow sticking in his eye, some might say the just deserts for his treachery and the breaking of the most sacred oaths and promises. It seems that William had been promised the throne of England and he only turned up with his army to claim what was rightfully his. The graves that line the British cemetery of those that died 878 years later reminded us all of the continuing cost of war. One young soldier came from Ashton Gate in Bristol and I wondered whether he and I had both watched Bristol City play there.

The pilgrimage to Mont-St.-Michel followed in the steps of countless pilgrims throughout the ages. We enjoyed the journey by coach. I am not sure what our ancestors would have made of the tourist shops and restaurants, possibly they would be pleased that for whatever reason so many people still visit such a holy place. For me a highlight of our visit was the Sunday Service at the local Benedictine Abbey where the language difference did not impede being part of the worship with glorious music taught and lead by one of the community.

Over the weekend I read Sebastian Faulk’s novel A Fools Alphabet. One character describes going to war in 1914 and said the greatest surprise to him and his comrades was being on the same side as the French! I left France with the overwhelming feeling of being on the same side in so many ways, the increased number of kisses only proving the point!

Michael

Quote of the month
Happiness is not perfected until shared. Anon

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Tuesday 13th and 27th
Bible Study The Rectory South Tawton

Wednesday 14th
Deanery Synod Okehampton

JUNE 24TH SUMMER EVENT
SOUTH ANDREW’S SOUTH TAWTON
ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR. NOON TILL 3PM
Offers please of bric-a brac, books,cakes and produce
to 849048

NOTICES

Thanks to all who supported our concert on May 19th

IF YOU PLAY A MUSICAL INTRUMENT AND WOULD LIKE TO BE PART OF A MUSIC GROUP TO PLAY AT THE MONTHLY FAMILY SERVICE IN SOUTH TAWTON PLEASE PHONE MICHAEL 849048

CAN ANYONE SUPPLY DRAW-STRING BAGS FOR CHILDRENS BOOKS AND TOYS FOR USE IN CHURCH PLEASE PHONE MICHAEL 849048

FROM THE REGISTERS