Friday 3rd July 14.15pm 

w/c Sunday 5^th July 2026

Dear Friends,

We so often read of doom and gloom in the church and of church decline.
So it was very encouraging to read that 20 people have been ordained as church ministers (Deacons) at Exeter Cathedral last weekend, the highest number in recent times.
This is in addition to 11 who were priested.
One reason for the high number of people being ordained this year is the new Exeter Ordination Pathway for ministerial training.
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison is quoted as saying: “To my mind this is indicative of a movement of the Holy Spirit and reflects how many people in Devon are looking to go deeper to find a sense of meaning and purpose in life.”
Please do pray for those who have been newly ordained and priested, and for all who minister in the Diocese.

Thought for the week:  Matthew 11 v16-19, 25-end

In the Gospel reading for today lies one of the most comforting and inviting passages in the Bible. “Come to me all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
In a world full of anxiety, uncertainty, stress, where we are burdened with the weight of our own expectations, where sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the choices and decision we have to make, Jesus offers us rest.
This rest is not just physical; it is a deep, soul-nourishing peace that comes from surrendering our burdens, our decisions, our concerns to Him.

But there is more because, as we lay down our own burdens, Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon us, to learn from Him, for He is gentle and humble in heart.
This is an image that His listeners would have been so familiar with.
A young, untrained ox would be paired with an older experienced one who would inevitably be bigger and so end up shouldering more of the load.
This experienced ox would teach the younger one what to do, where to go, how to behave.
It wasn’t an equal carrying of the yoke, but it was a shared one.
And so with Jesus and us – He invites us to share His yoke, so He can guide us, be with us in all the ups and downs, and help us carry our cares and concerns.

In a time when we often feel the pressure to prove ourselves, to have all the answers, to make the right choices, this invitation is a radical departure.
It tells us we don’t have to carry our burdens alone.
Instead, Jesus will walk with us, sharing His strength and grace.

Are there things that are burdening us that we need to lay down?
Are there choices and decisions that we need to offer to God, to seek His guidance? 
How can we respond to this beautiful invitation of Jesus, an invitation that offers us the rest and peace that our souls so desperately seek?

Notices and Diary

• July 11th 3-6 pm Littlehempston village fete – supporting the church and community meadow. To be held in a field on the Staverton side of the village.
• Sunday 12th July 11am-4pm Sally Goodman is opening Somerswood lake, South Brent again for St Luke’s hospice.

Wed 8^th July                         St Petroc’s Morning Prayer at 8.30am

Thought for the week at 10am by zoom and telephone

St Petroc’s Parish Lunch 12.30-1.30pm

Littlehempston PCC at 4pm

Fri 10^th July                           Morning Prayer at 9am by zoom and telephone

                                                      St Petroc’s Burial of ashes at 1pm (Stewart)

Sat 11^th July                         Littlehempston village fete 3-6pm

Sun 12^th July                        Somerswood lake, South Brent open 11-4 in aid of St Luke’s Hospice

Heavenly Father, we lift the people of Venezuela to you.

For the families who have lost loved ones and those waiting anxiously – be their comfort and their peace.
For those who are injured and traumatised – be their healer.
For first responders and rescue teams working tirelessly through the rubble to save lives – we ask for strength and safety.
For local churches, and Tearfund’s staff and partners – we ask for your protection as Jesus’ love leads them to care for people who are suffering.
For national authorities – we ask for your wisdom and guidance.
In Jesus’ name, Amen (from Tearfund)

 Know you are in my heart and in my prayers.
Rev Gina