The Parish’s Christmas Celebrations 2022

Decorated with Christmas lights, greenery, and candles, this year’s Christmas at the Parish of Paignton was a fantastic celebration with several Christmas-themed events at St Boniface and St John’s including Christmas Fayres and a Christmas-themed ‘Wine and Wisdom’ Quiz Night as well as the return of the Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s. With 24 Christmas Trees sponsored and decorated by different individuals, organisations, and businesses, the Christmas Tree Festival welcomed into the church and the festive spirit. The festival also included a prayer tree, where people could write messages, prayers, or thoughts and add these to the tree.  

There were various services this year including Advent and Christmas carol services, various Crib services including crib building and a live-action retelling of the Christmas Story, Midnight Mass, and the Christmas Day 10 am service to celebrate the coming of Christ. Christingle services were also held, providing another way of sharing the light of Jesus and spreading the message of hope by supporting the Children’s Society.  The Parish also hosted many local school carol services and we were delighted to see so many children and parents in church.

It was great to see so many people at the events and services this year in the Parish and a big thank you to all of those who helped in making all of this possible. We would like to give special thanks to the choir who sang fantastically at all the carol services and especially the Coral Director, Harriet Oakley who is sadly leaving us at the end of 2022.

From all the ministry team and the PCC of Paignton Parish may we wish you, and all those whom you love and care for, every blessing for 2023. You are all welcome to join us at any of our services at either St John’s or at St Boniface.

To see more of our Christmas celebrations take a look at the photos below.

Tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II

Paignton Parish records its deep sadness at the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second. Her Majesty steadfastly witnessed to the Christian Faith for just over seventy years as monarch and administered the responsibilities as our nation's head of state dutifully and without complaint in that time. We are all poorer for Her Majesty's death and we offer our heartfelt prayers for the repose of Her Majesty's soul and for all those who mourn across this nation, the nations of the Commonwealth and indeed all the nations of the world. We ask that God will make his presence known to the Royal Family at this time of grieving.

The Parish church of St. John will be open from 8 am - 7 pm daily until the day of Her Majesty’s funeral for you to contribute to the Torbay book of condolence and light a candle in thanksgiving for the life of our late Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth II. There is also a location to lay flowers where a candle will remain lit until the day of the funeral. All are most welcome to express their sorrow in these traditional forms.

To sign the book of condolences in remembrance of HM Queen Elizabeth II, please click here.

To watch the Archbishop of Canterbury statement on the death of the queen, please click here.

Prayer

May your gracious servant, Elizabeth, know your mercy and may her soul rest in peace and rise in glory.

Pour your grace upon your servant, Charles our King, that he may know your ways and glorify your name in all he does.

God save the King and the Queen Consort.

Amen.

Services

• Sunday 11th September at 6 pm - A Service of Prayer and Reflection remembering her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

• Thursday 15th September at 7.30 pm – A Special Commemoration Service Marking the Death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Supported by South Devon Choir

Saturday at the Summer Fayre

Thank you, Lord for bringing the sunshine

On Saturday 25th June, our summer fayre opened at 11 am. Despite the initial rain, the weather remained dry throughout the majority of the day and with the sunshine, we had a great turnout. The church bells were rung by our amazing bell ringers to open the fayre and people booked onto Bell Tower tours starting from 11:30 am. Live music in the garden started with relaxing Jazz provided by Audrey, followed by music from the Church Worship Band.

At 1 pm, we had live music from the band, Retromates, followed by a wonderful dance display from Torbay Dance School. This was followed by a drill display from the Sea Cadets, and fayre goers were invited to join in the drill. Many people accepted the challenge to join in including Father Neil and Kevin Foster, the Member of Parliament for Torbay.

This was followed by the crown competition, followed up with announcements of raffle winners, ‘guess the dog breed’. As part of our engagement with local schools pupils from Curledge Street and Kings Ash Academy had been invited to take part in a colouring competition. Winners of this competition were announced and received a £5 gift voucher. The band, Retromates played us out to finish the fayre until 4 pm.

Stalls included toys, new to you (second-hand clothing), plants, books, cakes and bakes, food (and drink), Pimm’s bar, bric-a-brac and the Outlook shop. We also had various games and activities including tug of war and the golf game!

It was great to see so many people attending and a big thank you to everyone who made last week’s Summer Fayre possible. We raised an amount of just under £1,700 for the parish funds, which is fantastic, and we hope everyone enjoyed this event.

See below our photos of the event and don’t forget to check out other events happening in the Parish of Paignton or in our wider community!

Key News from 19th June PEw Sheet

Summer Fayre - Only one week to go till our Summer Fayre on Saturday 25th June. There are lots of exciting things to do, so please do make time to come along to play the games; put Fr Neil in the stocks for a soaking, enjoy a cream tea or BBQ burger whilst listening to the entertainment or enjoy a refreshing glass of Pimm’s.

Outlook Shop: Help Needed - We urgently need volunteers to help staff some shifts in our charity shop on Palace Avenue which, plays a vital role in funding church activities. Recent illness means we can only open 7 of our normal 12 shifts. Please speak to Elaine on 01803 400553 if you think you can help, even if only for a limited period.

Glastonbury Pilgrimage - Why not join the group heading up to the Glastonbury pilgrimage on the 9th of July by car. Please speak to Joyce Cappello for more details.

Update from Father Neil - Fr Neil is away at the Exeter diocese clergy conference from Monday 20th to Friday 24th June and so it may take a while to respond to some requests. Please email him or contact the parish office for all non-urgent requests.

Queen’s Jubilee Commemorative Booklet: Please speak to Fr. Neil if you have not yet received a commemorative booklet and would like one.

The Haven Torbay - Volunteers are urgently needed to help in all areas of this vital work in Paignton. If you are able to help and want more information please contact the Parish Administrator on 07915 736169 for further information or see the letter on the notice board in the front entrance of the church.

The South Devon Choir NHS Fundraiser

The Faure Requiem, a workshop and early evening public performance in memory of those affected and lost in the Pandemic, and in aid of Torbay and South Devon NHS Charitable Fund.

On Saturday 11th June 2022, South Devon Choir held a Faure Requiem performance in Paignton Parish Church to remember all those affected and been lost in the pandemic. The afternoon started with a singing workshop open to all singers at 2:30 pm. This was followed by an early evening public performance starting at 6 pm with the retiring collection in aid of Torbay and South Devon NHS Charitable Fund.

Weekly News for 24th April 2022

Sunday 24th April - 4 pm: Today in St John’s church at 4 pm we have a Spring Concert Performance of Pianists, Vocalists, Violinists and other instrumentalists – learners and professional musicians from Devon. Presented by music teachers of Devon with EPTA UK. All donations will proceed to the Parish Church. For more information contact: Ekaterina on 07505 884271

Confirmation Service: Please do try come along to our 10am parish service next week to both support and celebrate the Confirmation of five candidates from our parish in a service that will be led by the Bishop of Plymouth; tea and cake afterwards in the Coverdale Centre and vicarage lawn!

Sunday 1 st May – 7.30pm: The Pye Hill and District Male Voice Choir on tour from Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire are singing St John’s Parish Church at 7.30pm to raise funds for the RBL Poppy appeal. Do come along to hear the oldest male voice choir from the East Midlands. Admission by donation and light refreshments will be available.

Mid-week Lunches: If you are available why not invite someone to come along with you to our regular Wednesday morning lunches. They start around 11:50am immediately after the Eucharistic service at 11am. It would be great to have you join us to enjoy some lunch and fellowship.

Weekly News For 27th March 2022

Our Weekly News Sheet for 27th March 2022 can now be accessed through the PEW Sheet page or by clicking here, with information on the readings, key information and dates for the diary!

Key INformation

Week: Leaflets outlining all the services and activities available during Holy week are available in church and also on posters on church noticeboards. Please do join in as much as you can to experience the full joy of reaching and celebrating Easter Day.

3rd April Whole Parish Service & AMP/APCM: On the 3rd April the whole parish will have a service at 10am at St Johns followed by the AMP/APCM where we review the proceedings of the 2021, elect Churchwardens and 2 new members of the PCC. Please speak to Fr. Neil if you would like to know more.

Easter Memorial Flowers: For the next few weeks there will be an opportunity to give a donation towards the cost of our Easter flowers in memory of loved ones. If you would like to do this, please fill in the form at the back of church. The names will be displayed in church over the Easter season. Gill Calvert.

Ukraine appeal: Thank you for all those who contributed to our Ukraine appeal last week which meant we were able to add a further £150 to the previous £875 we sent to the DEC appeal.

Confirmation: Can all candidates planning to be Confirmed on the 1st May confirm with Fr. Neil that he has their names recorded correctly

Weekly News For 13th March 2022

Our Weekly News Sheet for 13th March 2022 can now be accessed through the PEW Sheet page or by clicking here, with information on the readings, key information and dates for the diary!

Key INformation

Lent Activities and Study: Details of all the activities you can join in through Lent are on a leaflet available in both our churches and back of this pew sheet. Holy Week activities will be published next week.

Outlook Shop: Urgently needs costume jewellery if you have any could you take it to the shop at 22 Palace Avenue, Paignton, or if collection is required, please ring Elaine 01803 400553. 

Ukraine Retiring Collection: More than 2.5 million people have fled their homes to escape the conflict in Ukraine. Heavy fighting, shelling and airstrikes across the country have had devastating consequences for ordinary people. Homes have been destroyed. Families have been separated. Lives have been lost. At Ukraine’s borders with Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova, huge numbers of people are arriving with only what they can carry. Today we will have a retiring collection at parish services that will be sent to the DEC charity to assist in the provision of food, water, shelter and medical assistance.

Weekly News For 6th March 2022

Our Weekly News Sheet for 6th March 2022 can now be accessed through the PEW Sheet page or by clicking here, with information on the readings, key information and dates for the diary!

Key INformation

Activities and Study: Details of all the activities you can join in through Lent are on a leaflet available from both our churches from today. Full details of the Lent leaflet and back of this pew sheet. Come along to whatever you are able to - bring a friend!

Outlook Shop: Urgently needs costume jewellery if you have any could you take it to the shop at 22 Palace Avenue, Paignton, or if collection required, please ring Elaine 01803 400553.

Ukraine Retiring Collection: More than a million people have fled their homes to escape the conflict in Ukraine. Heavy fighting, shelling and air strikes across the country have had devastating consequences for ordinary people. Homes have been destroyed. Families have been separated. Lives have been lost. At Ukraine’s borders with Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova, huge numbers of people are arriving with only what they can carry. On Sunday 13th we will have a retiring collection at parish services that will be sent to the DEC charity to assist in the provision of food, water, shelter and medical assistance

Weekly News For 27th February 2022

Our Weekly News Sheet for 27th February 2022 can now be accessed through the PEW Sheet page or by clicking here, with information on the readings, key information and dates for the diary!

Key INformation

Ash Wednesday - 2nd March: Please do join us at either of next week’s Ash Wednesday 11 am or 7 pm services to begin your journey into Lent. Both services enable you to receive the imposition of ashes and Holy Communion.

Lent Activities and Study: Details of all the activities you can join in through Lent are on a leaflet available from both our churches from today. A reminder that ‘What Christians Believe’ starts next Saturday morning and ‘Breakfast with the Bible’ next Sunday morning. Full details of the Lent leaflet and back of this pew sheet. Come along to whatever you are able to - bring a friend!

World Day of Prayer: Friday 4th March 10.30 am at Torquay Central Church & Brixham Methodist Church

Weekly News For 13th February 2022

Our Weekly News Sheet for 13th February 2022 can now be accessed through the PEW Sheet page or by clicking here, with information on the readings, key information and dates for the diary!

Key INformation

Soup Lunches: If you are available why not invite someone to come along with you to our regular Wednesday morning soup lunches. They start around 11:50 am immediately after the Eucharistic service. It would be great to have you join us to enjoy some wonderful homemade soup and fellowship.

Lent Fellowship Discussions: Towards the Sunrise takes the theme of a journey and follows the disciples as they gradually become aware of the reality of the resurrection and what it means for them – and us. The dates are outlined below and sign-up sheets will come out in the coming weeks (to help plan the provision of sufficient booklets). Do join us for some or all sessions as listed on the back of the pew sheet.

Breakfast with the Bible: Come along to the Coverdale Centre on the five Sundays between 6th Mar-3rd Apr between 08:50-09:40 to delve deeper into the gospel set for that day with Fr Neil. Tea/coffee toast provided.

Confirmation Service: A Confirmation Service has been provisionally booked for Sunday the 1st of May with Bishop Nick. Anyone seeking to be Confirmed or Affirm their Baptismal Vows in this service please speak to Fr. Neil.  for more details.

Weekly News For 6th February 2022

Our Weekly News Sheet for 6th February 2022 can now be accessed through the PEW Sheet page or by clicking here, with information on the readings, key information and dates for the diary!

Key INformation

Lent Fellowship Discussions: Towards the Sunrise takes the theme of a journey and follows the disciples as they gradually become aware of the reality of the resurrection and what it means for them – and us. The dates are outlined below and sign-up sheets will come out in the coming weeks (to help plan provision of sufficient booklets). Do join us for some or all sessions as listed on the back of the pew sheet.

Breakfast with the Bible: Come along to the Coverdale Centre on the five Sundays between 6 th Mar-3 rd Apr between 08:50-09:40 to delve deeper into the gospel set for that day with Fr Neil. Tea/coffee toast provided.

Confirmation Service: A Confirmation Service has been provisionally booked for Sunday the 1st May with Bishop Nick. Anyone seeking to be Confirmed or Affirm their Baptismal Vows in this service please speak to Fr. Neil. Additionally, will be running three Emmaus preparation sessions on ‘What Christians Believe’ in the Coverdale Centre on Saturdays 5, 12 & 19th March between 10- 12noon to which, anyone is welcome to attend. Contact Fr. Neil for more details.

Parish Office and Contact Number: The parish office number is now 07915 736169 and will be manned 9 am to 12noon Mon-Fri. Note: 01803 551866 is now solely the landline telephone number for the Vicar.

Pew Sheet items: to include items or a prayer request for yourself or someone else please contact the parish office. Deadline 12noon Thursday.

Weekly News For 30th January 2022

Our Weekly News Sheet for 30th January 2022 can now be accessed through the PEW Sheet page or by clicking here, with information on the readings, key information and dates for the diary!

Key INformation

Confirmation Service: A Confirmation Service has been provisionally booked for Sunday 1st May with Bishop Nick. Anyone seeking to be Confirmed or Affirm their Baptismal Vows in this service please speak to Fr. Neil.  Additionally, will be running three Emmaus preparation sessions on ‘What Christians Believe’ in the Coverdale Centre on Saturdays 5, 12 & 19th March between 10-12noon which anyone is welcome to attend. Contact Fr. Neil for more details.

Lent Fellowship Discussions: Towards the Sunrise takes the theme of a journey and follows the disciples as they gradually become aware of the reality of the resurrection and what it means for them – and us. The dates are outlined below and sign-up sheets will come out in coming weeks (just to help plan provision of booklets). Do join us for some or all sessions as you can.

Tue: 8, 15, 22, 29 Mar & 5 Apr: St Boniface at 7.30pm

Wed: 9, 16, 23, 30 Mar & 6 Apr: St John’s at 12:30pm

Breakfast with the Bible: Come along to the Coverdale Centre on the five Sundays between 6Mar-3Apr between 08:50-09:40 to delve deeper into the gospel reading set for that day with Fr Neil. Tea/coffee toast provided.

Parish Office and Contact Number: The new contact number for the parish office is now 07915 736169 and will be manned 9am-12noon Mon-Fri. Note: the old redirect from 01803 551866 will cease 30th Jan 2022 when it will return to being the landline for the Vicar.

Weekly News For 23rd January 2022

Our Weekly News Sheet for 23rd January 2022 can now be accessed through the PEW Sheet page or by clicking here, with information on the readings, key information and dates for the diary!

Key INformation

Parish Office and Contact Number: The new contact number for the parish office is 07915 736169 and will be manned 9 am- 12noon Mon-Fri. Note: the old redirect from 01803 551866 will cease on 30th Jan 2022 when it will return to being the landline for the Vicar.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2022: Continues on Monday 24th and-25th January. Prayers will take place at noon followed by soup and rolls at 12.30. Please find dates and locations on the Upcoming Events Page or this week’s PEW Sheet.

Confirmation Service: A Confirmation Service has been provisionally booked for Sunday 1st May with Bishop Nick. Anyone seeking to be Confirmed or Affirm their Baptismal Vows in this service please speak to Fr. Neil. Additionally, will be running three Emmaus preparation sessions on ‘What Christians Believe’ in the Coverdale Centre on Saturdays 5, 12 & 19th March between 10- 12noon which, anyone is welcome to attend. Again please speak to Fr. Neil for more details

Breakfast with the Bible: Come along to the Coverdale Centre on the five Sundays between 6Mar-3Apr between 08:50-09:40 to delve deeper into the gospel reading set for that day with Fr Neil. Tea/coffee toast provided.

Lent Fellowship Discussions: Planning is nearly complete for our 5 session friendly faith discussions. We plan to hold these on Tuesday Evenings at 7:30 pm at St Boniface and Wednesday at 12:30 pm at St John the Baptist. More details will be published on noticeboards and on the pew sheets in the coming weeks along with sign-up sheets (just to help plan the provision of booklets). Do join us for some or all sessions as you can.