The visit of Carbeile Junior School year 4 pupils to Cornerstone was able to take place again this year. As in other years the visit took place over two Mornings due to the number of children visiting.

​The children come to learn about what happens in Cornerstone etc and about our church history. Cornerstone was the first church built in Torpoint in 1795, some eight years after 83 year old John Wesley preached on the banks of the river, and they viewed the building Indenture which lists the names of those who built the church.

This year the children came on 5th & 6th April and we were able to share the Easter story with them and tell them about our Lenten Cross. As usual the children asked many questions before they happily coloured in the Holy Week Wheel and toured the building. 

The sold out Passion Play during Holy Week was a very powerful play.  Cast member, Mark Thompson, tells us of his thoughts on being involved.

​PLAYING PETER IN THE PASSION PLAY

The Passion has affected me in a positive way, but also in a very sad way.

I actually felt I was there at the Crucifixion scene, but knowing that Jesus died for our sins is something that will always be with me. His Resurrection is our salvation.

There are critical life lessons from the Way of the Cross that we can carry forward into our own lives.

Courage I learned the courage and fortitude Jesus showed on His way to the cross. Being wronged may not necessarily be a part of everyday life, but when it does happen, learning the strength with which Jesus faced his trials is a lesson to be learnt.

Willingness to surrender God’s divine plan has a logic that may not be apparent in our time. But by accepting God’s will in time of adversity we make ourselves stronger to lead life in more exemplary ways.
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The habit of prayer Indulging in everyday prayer keeps us morally honest, mentally sincere and psychologically healthy. Praying as part of a community does wonders in helping you sort and prioritise difficulties in life.

​Patience Jesus was innocent and the trials unjust, yet he chose to suffer and accept death. His quiet fortitude and tenacity is borne out by his successfully creating an example for us to follow.

Forgiveness Knowing how to forgive those who have wronged us is one of the hardest lessons in life. Jesus showed us exactly how this can be done.

Perseverance Jesus had people conspire against him. We should remain consistent and persist in our moral principles, no matter how lonely it gets.

Prayer The Passion has taught me how Jesus used the power of prayer when things became too tough to endure.

Emerging from redemption There are times when I feel so dejected by the wrongs I may have committed in the past that I fail to see how I can make amends in the future. Every minor act matters as Jesus showed when he chose to forgive the criminal Barabbas through his small act of kindness by the cross.
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​Looking for hope Even when the whole world seems against me, persisting with habits of kindness, justness and compassion helps me hold onto my Christianity.

​Mark Thompson.

Wow what a fabulous way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Pennycross Methodist Church gave a wonderful welcome to people for the circuit service. This was the launch of a new season of circuit services, organised by our Performing Arts Mission Enabler, Anne Middleton, to unite the circuit in creative worship and fellowship and to encourage us that we are not alone!
 
Rev. Darren Middleton preached a very powerful message about freedom in Christ and the need for all to be free in order to have true freedom – it was delivered with passion, humour and understanding. The uplifting songs, led by Rev. Brenton Prigge and Dave Wood, along with the Pennycross team, were beautifully written and sung.
 
Horizons of Hope, by Anne, was a well written and performed analogy between the narratives of a Mayflower Pilgrim and a person living through the Covid Pandemic, highlighting the themes of freedom and unity in Christ.
 
It was joyous, thought provoking and inspiring throughout. We are looking forward with excitement to the next Circuit Worship on Sunday 8th May at Ridgeway Methodist Church at 2pm (note – time to be confirmed.)
 
Please do encourage your congregation members to support the circuit services. For anyone who was unable to make it this time, a video of the service will be posted on the Performing Arts Mission YouTube and shared on the PDMC website asap.
 
By Saffie Edwards.

​As our nation - along with the rest of the world - continues to wrestle with the effects and uncertainties caused by Covid19, we are calling all to prayer on Epiphany, 6th January 2022.  Please will you join us in setting aside some time on 6th January 2022 - alone or with others - to pray for all those who:

• have been bereaved by the virus
• are suffering lasting effects from the virus (long Covid)
• are working in the health and other services at a time of demand and uncertainty
• have lost their jobs or businesses because of the restrictions
• are anxious about the future
• are elected to serve this and other nations at this time
• are working hard to find new treatments to tackle Covid19
• do not have access to vaccines - particularly remembering our partners in India
• lead our churches as we seek to discern our mission
• have had their faith challenged and are uncertain about much

 
And so much more!  Please will you also use the Day of Prayer to ask what you/we are being called to do and be as God’s Church is reshaped in these uncertain days?  What might you do to pray for our world and everyone in it?

​My friend and colleague, Rev Darren Middleton recently appeared on national television because he has taken up hair dressing. Darren’s passion is to use his craft to connect to people, to give them a safe space to talk, and a moment in time where they feel pampered and cared for.

A Methodist Minister plying a secular trade in a salon was something that caught the attention and imagination of the media. It has me wondering. Why is the idea of a minister connecting to people outside of church in a meaningful way so remarkable – so unusual – that it has made national tv?  

Going with the flow
I don’t know if you’re anything like me, but I cannot cope without my diary. I like to have everything planned ahead, in writing – set in stone if possible! I don’t do spontaneity! So, of course, this pandemic season has been stressful – as I’m sure it has for many. 

One of the things I’ve felt God say to me during this time is that He wants me to be more flexible to receive all the new things that He is revealing to me. In a way, I’ve had no choice but to be flexible – otherwise I would have done nothing for the last year and a half. 

Rev. Darren Middleton was featured on BBC Spotlight on Friday 8th October - repeated on the BBC Breakfast News the following day! Here is the press release from GHQ:

Darren Middleton has recently begun training with GHQ Training to become a hairdresser and is already making an impact on his trainers and learner colleagues.

His infectious personality lights up the room. “Clients love him!” One of his tutors, Lisa Vercoe said.  Darren has work experience in her St Austell Salon to broaden his training experience at GHQ.

Co tutor James Jasper, had this to say,  “ Darren  is incredibly ambitious, has natural flair and endless potential. He is a dream to teach”

Darren is the first Minister that GHQ Training has trained in the 30 years since it was set up to provide high quality vocational training in Plymouth City Centre. 

Darren said, “ I have had various experiences in my life from being a professional dancer in West End productions and film to being a Commando Trained Chaplain within the British Army. Training at GHQ has equalled all these experiences. Being in the salon is just like being back on stage again - I love it. GHQ has afforded me an opportunity to bring the culture of hair into my ministry. People need to feel worth and value now more than ever. The positive professional skills I am learning from my experienced and talented tutors at GHQ is life and ministry changing. How we do Church has to change and GHQ, my tutors Lisa & James, along with my awesome co-learners are helping this to happen.”  He has already progressed to  styling and cutting hair!” 

Darren’s vision is to use the qualifications he’ll gain to help those less well off in his congregation.  He plans to set up mini salons within the church, where he can offer a new style of ‘service’! 
​
For Further information, and an opportunity to follow Darren’s amazing story, please contact Jean Rogers Managing Director GHQ Training Ltd on 07990528870, e mail glenbeighjean@live.com

‘Passion’, is the first live community production by Performing Arts Mission. The one act play, written by the Performing Arts Mission Enabler, Anne Middleton, and devised and directed with her husband, the Reverend Darren Middleton, will be taking place during Holy Week 2022 (having been postponed from 2020 due to COVID).

 We urgently need an experienced actor to play the role of Jesus – could this be you or someone you know? If you are interested in finding out more and attending the casting workshop on Monday 29th November at 7pm, Click Here

​A caring and active church community at the centre of Woodford in Plympton. We provide services and activities for all ages as we seek to worship God together and show His love to our community.

Our Services:
Every Sunday at 10:30am - Sunday morning worship with a mix of modern and traditional worship, and activities for the children.
Second and fourth Sunday of the month at 4pm – Overflow informal praise and worship Service.
 
We have a range of activities throughout the week for all ages including House Groups, Youth Bible study, Youth Club, and other outreach events and projects.

Regular activities:

• Sunday 10:30am – Sunday morning worship with a mix of modern and traditional worship and activities for the children
• 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month 4pm – 5:30pm – OVERFLOW informal praise and worship Service
• 2nd and 4th Tuesday 10:30am – 12:30pm Woodford Hub – a time of fellowship, worship and prayer, deep discussion and exploring how to grow in our faith. Refreshments and lunch included.
• Tuesdays during term time 6pm – 7:30pm Youth Group for ages 11 – 14: A time for Christian young people to come together to eat dinner (lots of pizza!), play games, and learn and grow in their faith through fun illustrations, worship and prayer, and informal discussion. (£1 voluntary donation)
• Thursdays during term time - WOODY’S YOUTH CLUB (Details to follow upon relaunch in October)

Contact:
Church administrator – Monica 01752 348178
Youth and Families Worker – Dave 07562 376224
Facebook Page: Woodford Methodist Community Church | Facebook
Website: Woodford Methodist Community Church (woodford-methodist.org)

The Bacon Butties event is back at Pomphlett Methodist Church from 11th September 2021  - and will become a regular event again on the second Saturday of each month. 

The September event profits, instead of going to church funds, will be donated to the fund set up for the Families and Friends embroiled in the sad and tragic recent events in Keyham

We will be offering Bacon Butties, Sausage butties with an option of a cheese topping.  We would encourage you to come along and buy a butty or three and help us help our Friends and Families in Keyham

The Plymouth and Devonport Methodist Circuit Preaching Plan is now available. It covers September, October and November 2021. Please click here to view the plan