APCM 2010 Reports
April 19, 2010 by Vicky
Download the APCM 2010 reports
Press Release: Back to Church Sunday
September 24, 2009 by Andrew
On 27th September, up to half a million people across the country will be inviting someone special to church with them for Back to Church Sunday. Every diocese in the Church of England and many other churches besides are taking part in the initiative this year, by encouraging churchgoers to invite someone they know who used to attend church to come back. Churches will focus on extending an even warmer welcome than usual on the day.
Earlier this week, The Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Reading spoke about the need for the Church to be truly welcoming: “Even today I meet people who think you have to be highly educated or suited and booted to be a person who goes to church. That’s so frustrating. How did it come to this, that we have become known as just the Marks and Spencer option when in our heart of hearts we know that Jesus would just as likely be in the queue at Asda or Aldi? Jesus got us started with church simply. Like this: sitting us down in groups on the grass and telling simple stories. Not simplistic. But certainly not complicated. All his first disciples were down-to-earth people who wanted to know what life was all about.”
Churches in Plymouth are no exception and are keen to be welcoming to whomever may come. Both St. Andrew’s Church and Plymouth Christian Centre taking part. Geoff Lee, Lead Pastor at Plymouth Christian Centre in Cattedown said “It’s amazing how many people in Plymouth used to go the church. We’re just happy to be able to open our doors once again to any who wish to come back.”
People may stop coming to church for all sorts of reasons, sometimes as simple as moving house and getting out of the habit. Often, all they need is an invitation to come back and Back to Church Sunday offers the perfect opportunity to return. Speaking of this initiative, Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury added “The Church’s responsibility to welcome all comers isn’t, of course, restricted to one Sunday in the year! But this Sunday in particular prompts us to do a better job of saying to people that we are truly glad to see newcomers and they always have a right to be part of the family.”
Anyone wanting to give church another try this weekend is sure of a warm welcome at any of the following services.
St. Andrew’s Church, Royal Parade:
9.30am Communion, 11.00am Family Service, 6.30pm Informal Service
Plymouth Christian Centre, Cattedown Roundabout:
9:15am Service, 11.00am Family Service, 7.00pm Service with Cafe afterwards.
Mutley Baptist Church, Mutley Plain:
9.00am Morning Worship, 10.30am Family Service, 6.30pm Informal Service
Methodist Central Hall, Eastlake St. (behind Drake Circus Mall):
11.00am Worship, 7.00pm Sunday Night at the Hall.
St Andrew’s becomes a ‘Minster’
March 2, 2009 by Vicky
As part of the 1100th anniversary of the Diocese, the Bishop of Exeter has bestowed the title of ‘Minster’ on St. Andrew’s Church, Plymouth.
The title has only been granted to a handful of other churches across the country – and it will be the only Minister in the Diocese of Exeter.
The change in status recognises the importance of Plymouth as a city and the historic role of St Andrew’s as a place of worship.
The Rt Revd Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter said: ‘This is an historic step for St Andrews and is intended to be one way of celebrating the significance of the city of Plymouth in the life of our diocese.
‘In recognising the historic role of St. Andrew’s as a place of celebration, worship and mission for the city, we are also recognising the importance of the city in the South West and its historic contribution to our national life.’
The announcement follows a petition by Plymouth City Council which noted the ‘remarkable inspiration’ of the church’s famous Resurgam motto during the last war and resolved ‘to request the Bishop of Exeter to grant our historic Civic Church of St. Andrew the style and title of Minster, in recognition of the very great esteem in which this Church and its record of service is held by the City of Plymouth.’
A special service to mark the granting of Minster status will be held at St. Andrew’s on 29 November.
The title of ‘Minster’ dates back to monastic times when it was used to describe a major centre of Christian mission. In recent years this medieval designation has been re-introduced and bestowed on a handful of parish churches in urban areas – including Sunderland, Doncaster, Stoke-on-Trent and Newport – to acknowledge their wide responsibilities for their communities.
The Rector of St. Andrew’s, Prebendary Nick McKinnel, said: ‘We are delighted at the encouragement this gives us in our mission. We shall enjoy thinking in fresh and creative ways about our responsibilities for Christian witness and service.’
There has been a church on the site of St. Andrew’s since Saxon times and the first named vicar is recorded in 1087. Over the centuries the church has been associated with such notable figures as Catherine of Aragon, Sir Francis Drake, Sir John Hawkins, the Pilgrim Fathers, Captain Bligh of the Bounty and Sir Francis Chichester. In 1941 the church was burnt out in the Blitz and a wooden board bearing the word RESURGAM (I will rise again) was placed over the North door reflecting Christian hope in dark days. Today the six John Piper windows bring light and colour to the restored building.
Speaking in a radio broadcast in 1946, politician and solicitor Isaac Foot spoke of St. Andrew’s as Plymouth’s ‘most treasured possession’. ‘St. Andrew’s is at the very heart of the city. Plymouth and St. Andrew’s have, in a sense, grown up together and the church is regarded as the common inheritance of the people irrespective of their religious persuasion,’ he said.
Craft Evening
January 22, 2009 by Vicky
Come along to our craft evening on the 6th February at 7.30pm
Parent’s Morning
August 17, 2008 by Vicky
To all parents with children involved in any of the youth groups (Sparklers to Fish Shop), please do come along at 10.15am on 7th September for a morning with the leaders. Over a coffee and a croissant in the Harmsworth Room we want to share with you what we will be studying this coming term and spend some time praying for all the youngsters and the various groups. There will be a creche available and we will be finished in time for the start of the 11am service. It would be great to see you there.
Tearfund BBQ
August 17, 2008 by Vicky
A Tearfund BBQ will be held at Bill and Nikki Duncan’s house on Sunday 7th September at 12.30pm. All welcome!
Calling all musicians
August 17, 2008 by Vicky
If you can sing or play a musical instrument and would like to be involved in the 11 O’Clock or Evening Service music groups, Tom Brassil would love to hear from you.
Noah’s Ark 2
July 15, 2008 by Vicky
We are looking to start up another Noah’s Ark session running after Ark’s Angels on Mondays. Starting in September, NA2 will run from 10.30 – 12pm in the Abbey Hall. We would love some help as our current team are all looking after our babies and toddlers during the session times. If you are childfree on a Monday morning and able to help with the set-up of toys, manning the reception desk or serving coffee, please contact Beccy Davies.
Street Pastors: more volunteers needed
July 15, 2008 by Vicky
The Street Pastors team are looking to commission a further 50 volunteers in September. Please contact the church office for further details on how to apply.
Church Lawns
July 15, 2008 by Vicky
A volunteer is still needed to take over the grass cutting. The church grass does not include the two large lawns ajoining Royal Parade, just the grass immediately surrounding the church and the Abbey Hall. Any volunteers please ring Arnold Melhuish.