Saint Paul's Church, Landkey

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Christmas services and events - well supported

Our busy Christmas 2024 schedule was well supported, we are pleased to report. Our programme got under way with the Light up a Life service on 4th December. Around 30 people attended and gave generously to the North Devon Hospice. 

Much planning and work had been done for the Christmas Fayre set to take place on Saturday 7th December. It was unfortunate, then, that it had to be cancelled at short notice due to the arrival of Storm Darragh and the dangerous winds associated with it. Despite the disappointment, it proved to be the correct decision as it later became clear that the power cut which affected Landkey wouldn’t be restored until after the weekend.

The Christmas Tree Festival began on 12th December and ran until 15th. A large number of decorated trees were contributed by local organisations and were strategically placed around the church and porch. Visitors were invited to vote for their favourite tree. All, though, had been thoughtfully prepared and appreciation is expressed to the many who took part. Outdoor carols were held on 14th December.

With the Fayre having been cancelled, items which would have featured in it, such as the raffle and knitwear for sale, were brought into the church as part of the Christmas Tree Festival. It made for a full and attractive display in the church over the four days.
Appreciation is also expressed to the members the Knit and Natter group for their involvement and to all others who contributed to these events. While this was the work of many, the leadership and efforts of Jackie Grant and Joyce Alderman are especially noted.

Our Nativity service took place on 15th December, led by Anne Foster, assisted by Angela Bellamy. It was a joyful occasion as Anne and  Ange led us through the story of the birth of Jesus by means of narration and the singing of traditional carols. The scene with the shepherds being called to Bethlehem by means of an angel took the form of a dramatic reading by David Foster and Peter Soper as shepherds. It was amusing at times and, like the service itself, helped  to bring the congregation to a closer understanding of the meaning of Christ's birth to us. Several children helped by bringing figures of people and animals up to the crib at the front of the church.

Our Carols by Candlelight service was well attended once again and we are grateful to Philip price for playing the organ and for his friend, Shirleyann, for playing the flute.

On Christmas Eve, we held two services, the first of which was Christingle at 3pm. It was exceptionally well attended with as many as 129 filling the nave of the church. This was followed by Christmas Mass at 10pm which, although attracting a smaller congregation, enabled those who attended a final opportunity to prepare themselves for the imminent celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Our services continue at St Paul's on 5th January as we mark the ending of Christmas as we reach Epiphany.

Two photos have been added to this page.

Carols by Candlelight - correction of date

We are looking forward to welcoming people from near and far at our Carols by Candlelight service on 19th December at 7pm.

In the Landkey newsletter, the date for this service was incorrectly given as 18th December. We apologise for any confusion and confirm that the correct date is 19th.

Church heating

We are pleased to be able to say that we have purchased four new temporary electric radiant heaters for the church. Following the failure of the gas boiler in the autumn of 2023 and until we can build in a permanent electric heating system, these units will go a long way towards keeping the church warm during the forthcoming winter.

Thank you to Andy, Peter, Hazel and Cathy for putting the heaters together and mounting them on their stands. 

Remembrance Sunday

Our Remembrance events, held on 10th November 2024, were well attended and began with a service in the village hall at 10am, led by Revd John Ewington. 

As many as 90 people gathered at the war memorial from 10:45am for the Act of Remembrance, also led by John. Wreaths were laid by Cllr Andy Clayton on behalf of Landkey Parish Council and by Peter Soper for St Paul's Church. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Cornish family by Julia Jenkins, niece of Charles Cornish whose name is listed on the memorial.  Guardsman Dave Green called out the names of the fallen, Peter Elder read the ode, "For the Fallen", while the "Kohima Epitaph" was spoken by John Hayes who also bore the standard on behalf of the Burma Star Association.

Remembrance Sunday

We will be remembering those members of our armed forces who have died in the defence of our country at our service of Remembrance on Sunday 10th November 2024.

Proceedings will begin with a service in the village hall at 10 am followed by the Act of Remembrance at the war memorial from 10:45am. Two minutes' silence will be observed at 11am. All are welcome to attend.

A copy of the words to the Act of Remembrance used at the war memorial is available now to download here for anyone who would like to follow this part of the proceedings on their mobile phone. Please be aware that this document is subject to amendment if any details should change.

Gift Days - thank you

We are very grateful to all who contributed financially to the church on our Gift Days which were held over the Harvest weekend of 28th-29th September 2024. The welcome sum of £607 was raised and will go a long way towards enabling St Paul's to pay its way for the remainder of the year.