ST PETERS CHURCH
The present church building dates from the end of the thirteenth century. Monuments both inside and outside the church commemorate the Clevland family, who once lived at Tapeley Manor and the Christie family, to whom the house and estate passed by marriage. There are also monuments to the Berry Torrs, who lived in the littler village of Eastleigh. Some restoration work has been done, and more is envisaged in the near future when funds become available.
The present congregation is small and ‘elderly, though there is a much bigger body of people who come on special occasions and are willing to help in practical ways. The church and the pub are the two main focal points for this community.
St. Peters, Westleigh is part of the United Benefice comprising St. Peters, Westleigh, St. Johns, Instow and St. Peters Fremington.
At such times, it is good to remember that the Church is not primarily a building or an ordained minister, but rather the people of God. People have worshipped here for hundreds of years and they do so still. Please pray that others in this generation will come to put their trust in Jesus Christ as Saviour, and bear witness for him in this rural community.
DEC 2023
Sunday 3rd 9.30am
Holy Communion
Sunday 17th 9.30am
Carols by Candlelight
Mon 25th 9.30am
Christmas Praise
Sun 31st 9.30am
Mission Community Joint service
It’s coming…getting closer…soon be here!! Feel the excitement. My favourite season is nearly upon us and I’m excited. The music, the story, candlelight, and that wait for Him to arrive; ‘has he been yet?’. For those of you who feel that the season comes far too quickly and is over-
For Christians, Advent clears away the clutter and ensures we are ready to welcome Jesus, not in the Christmas celebration, but when He returns. For those who think this is an extreme view, it is a core part of Jesus’s teaching, and church teaching since.
The public are fairly fickle -
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A blessed Advent to all (and presently, a happy Christmas!)
CHURCH NEWS
SEPT 23
Hey – the last magazine article in 2023, the next one will be written for January 2024! Where's the year gone, what's been good, what could have been better, and so on.
Yes 2023 has been a very good year in so many ways. St Peter's started 2023 without an incumbent Vicar, and ended 2023 with the Rev'd Chris Painter, who has been a breath of fresh air, or should I say a hurricane of fresh air (that's a compliment Chris). We've had a Pet Service, 2 Harvest Festivals (in case 1 wasn't enough), Family services with maximum use of the toy box, and a congregation which has grown, and will grow more. A revised Remembrance Service where 50% was held outside was not only very well received, but 'felt' right in tone and content to commemorate those who gave so much. 2024 is going to be a year to look forward to! And we still have the candlelight carol service to come which will be awesome (3.30pm on Sunday the 17th of December) Mince pies and mulled wine are added incentives to attend!
We also must remember that for some, 2023 was not a good year, but are thankful for the warmth and care that St Peters showed for those who needed it, and whose faith was strengthened as a result.
Harbour, the charity for the disadvantaged of Bideford and local areas, gave a great presentation at St Peters, and if people were unsure as to what they actually do, and how they could be supported, there should be no doubt now. A display is either already in the Church or will be very soon, showing what can be done practically to help.
Finally, living in Westleigh continues to get better each year, with the 3 'hubs', Church, Village Hall, and of course the Westleigh Inn all combining to make it 'the place to be'!
Have a great Christmas and New Year everyone
Roger (and out)