Cocaine supplied from CofE-owned house
Four men have pleaded guilty to drug offences after selling cocaine from a property owned by the Diocese of Exeter. In May the group was arrested in Ide, near Exeter, after police discovered 2kg of the Class A drug in nearby woods. The street value of the drugs stash was estimated to be around £200,000. Police also recovered approximately £30,000 in cash. Three of the men admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine at Exeter Crown Court last week, and the fourth admitted to a charge of conspiracy to transfer criminal property, which relates to cash seized from his car. The sentencing will be given on 27 November.
Pray for spiritual growth in lockdown
Based on a post by Passion for the Nation: ‘Ecclesiastes speaks of a time and season for everything under heaven. We can pray that during the four lockdown weeks, God’s people will take hold of the opportunity to allow Him to heal any hurts we hold in our hearts, cleanse us of wrong attitudes and motivations, and restore our first love for Him. In the days ahead may the power of the Gospel and the message of the Kingdom be released in greater measure throughout our land. Pray for God’s people to stand in the full assurance that His love, His word and His covenant with us will never fail; and for a fresh urgency to use the gifts God has given us with boldness and great courage in Jesus' name. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)’
Lockdown worship rules may change
Last week faith leaders from across the UK wrote to the Government, urging it to re-evaluate the closure of worship places. On 4 November health secretary Matt Hancock, speaking to the House of Commons, said, ‘Ministers are talking to faith leaders to do everything we can to reach an agreement as soon as possible on the closure of places of worship during lockdown.’ He acknowledged the backlash from faith leaders on banning worship services during the second lockdown, and said he understood ‘the impact of this infringement on liberties’. Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester, and Sir Edward Leigh both argued that places of worship should open again as soon as possible, as the buildings have enforced Covid-19 safety measures. Theresa May said that banning worship meetings could set a 'dangerous' precedent.
Locked-down churches keeping in touch with children
How can we worship and share our lives, when the two ways of being together - in person and online - are often really difficult for families? Making online church work for children means including them. Six-year-old J says, ‘I like talking to everyone on Zoom after the service.’ A mother said, ‘It’s good when someone asks them questions, and listens. They don’t like listening to adult conversations.’ A three-year-old now celebrates the eucharist with the Vicar with his own cup, plate, and bread. Rev’d Mo Baldwin makes Zoom interactive. Children have treasure hunts, breakout-room challenges like artwork, or designing something. The families also record elements of the service. Beth’s 12-year-old daughter coordinates Kids Church Online, including creating worship herself and encouraging other families to make things and send them in. Rev’d Stephen Gardner reads a bedtime story online every night. A mum said, ‘We all cuddle up together to watch.’
