Fowey town newsletter articles

April 2024

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43 18-19a

We certainly have a ‘new thing’ happening in Fowey Church. I’m writing days after my licensing by Bishop Hugh and Archdeacon Kelly.

It was a wonderful event, many people came along, there was all the colour and sense of occasion that the Church of England is known for … along with our local Fowey additions: the bell ringers, the champagne corks and Alan, the Town Crier, dressed in his red costume brought a real sense of celebration too. We even had numerous dogs who decided to join in the fun! Lots of new things happened that evening. But the main ‘thing’ people have commented on was a sense of joy and love.

Chris and I have a deep love for the Fowey community that stretches back many years, and it truly is an honour and a privilege to serve in this wonderful town. Going forward we see many ways in which we can support and enrich all that happens in the town. Our connection with the Fowey Festival, Regatta, Remembrance Day, the Christmas Market and Town Carols is just the beginning. The rites of passage, christenings, baptisms, weddings (we have a number this year including one that will involve the RNLI!) and funerals will all continue. As a former headteacher I am looking forward to popping into the schools and not having any marking to do!

But there will be ‘new things’ too. I’ve been co-opted onto the Fowey Town Council and we are planning the 80th anniversary of the D Day celebrations, we have a tall ship coming to Fowey, and as chaplain of the Royal Fowey Yacht Club I’m sure even more opportunities to work together across the Fowey.

We have services that reflect the infinite variety of how we meet with God.

Sunday@ St Fim

• Book of Common Prayer 9am – a traditional service with beautiful words dating back to the 1600s.

• Fowey Family 10:30am – a service where all can belong, including activities for children

• Heart of worship 7pm (in the Parish Hall) from 7th April – contemporary, informal and a place to spend time eating and chatting together.

But playing our part in building a sense of community in Fowey is only part of why the church is here. God doesn’t only seek to see communities living together in harmony, he seeks to bring harmony into our relationships, so that each of us can grow to be people that are prepared to forgive and build ever stronger connections within marriages, families and different groups.

The ‘new thing’ God essentially wants to do is to start at our core being. The change begins within each one of us, deep in our heart. It begins when we look at ourself and feel “There must be something better than this…,” and the answer God gives is “Yes, there is. You will find it as you come close to me.”

The church is open every day, I am only an email away and our services are open to all… and you are most welcome, Carol

Revd Carol Edleston - revcarol.fowey@gmail.com

Fowey Church Office - foweyparishchurch@gmail.com

Fowey Church website - www.foweyparishchurch.org

Note from Merisa - As promised over the Christmas period from your generous donations in our collection plates we have given half of the money, £500, to help people suffering the impact of war in the Middle East and the Ukraine. This came about because a local boy was overheard saying during a service "I bet Christmas is horrible in Bethlehem. I want to help them". So a big thank you to everyone – all of us giving a little can make a big difference.

March 2024

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path – Psalm119:105

We need to watch where we are walking. This morning as I made my way to Newquay airport for the 7am Gatwick flight I was one of many people using the torch on my phone in the dark rainy morning. As we queued and went through security we all knew we were all headed in the same direction. There is only one flight at that time in the morning. It got me thinking about where we might all go from Gatwick. Many into London in time for a morning meeting; some folk going home; some getting connecting flights like me.

As we hear stories at funerals of the full, colourful, rewarding lives people have lived we sometimes stop and take a minute to reflect on our own journey through life. Not just questions like “am I happy, am I a good partner, mother, sister, friend?” but deeper questions about fulfilment, making a difference to those around us and to the wider world. We have some incredible, generous, giving, kind people in our community – people who go the extra mile for others, without seeking or expecting thanks or recognition. These folk make Fowey a better place.

The Bible is full of un-sung heroes, who stepped in to save the day and help others. Take Ebed-Melech in Jeremiah 38 who spoke to King Zedekiah and saved Jeremiah’s life when he had been thrown into a cistern where he would have died, or Tabitha in Acts 9 who was “always doing good and helping the poor”. The way they lived their lives made a real difference. The Bible gives us instruction about who God is, his great love for us, who are made in his image, and its words can truly light our path as we journey through life.

Fowey Church continues to remain open during the day for locals and visitors to visit, look around and perhaps have a few moments of silent reflection. If you would like a phone call or visit from someone from the church please let us know. We have a small pastoral team who could be in touch with you. You can see what we are up to on our website – www.foweyparishchurch.org, where you can sign up to receive our weekly emails or on our Facebook page.

As I write we are looking forward to welcoming Bishop Hugh on Sunday, and planning for the Licensing of Rev Carol Edleston on Monday 11th March at 7pm. All are welcome to come and celebrate our long-awaited new local priest. There will be refreshments afterwards, and maybe some vicars in all their finery!

As promised over the Christmas period from your generous donations in our collection plates we have given half of the money, £500, to help people suffering the impact of war in the Middle East and the Ukraine. This came about because a local boy was overheard saying during a service "I bet Christmas is horrible in Bethlehem. I want to help them". So a big thank you to everyone – all of us giving a little can make a big difference.

Merisa, on behalf of Fowey Parish Church.

February 2024

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures for ever...Who gives food to every creature. His love endures for ever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures for ever. Psalm 136:1,25,26

As we welcome in 2024 many of us resolve to be better. Better friends, better family members, better neighbours. There is some deep seated desire in us to be seen as good, caring, loving – even popular and respected. Yet we know that this is rarely the reality of our lives. We aspire, but we fall short. We fail, make mistakes and silly choices. But the reassuring news is that God is always good. He is always loving. He is always generous. And on a human level when we hang out with good, positive, energy and life-giving people their attitude and approach rubs off on us. Personally I need some of that good positive, loving vibe influencing my daily life, and for that reason want to draw closer to God – who is omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all knowing) and omnipresent (everywhere all at once).

Wherever you are on your journey of faith be assured that whatever 2024 will bring for you, God’s love endures for ever. He is for you, not against you. He cares for you and promises to be with you, in the good times and when life is more difficult.

It was wonderful to welcome so many locals and visitors to our Christmas services. Around 1,000 people came along, for our Town Carol Service, Christingle, Midnight Mass and our Christmas Day service. Some of the money from the collections will be given to help people in Gaza, Bethlehem, the Middle East and the Ukraine (we will let you know in due course). So thank you for your generosity.

We continue to try and keep the church open for people to use during daylight hours, thanks to our willing volunteers. Many folk come in to look around and to pray – both locals and visitors. We have been privileged to pray for the 1,600 prayer requests left on our prayer tree during the last year. At the heart of the community church is a place of quiet sanctuary as well as a busy hub for community activities. Do contact us if your group would like to use the church for a meeting or concert and we can put you in the diary. We also have a small pastoral team who keep in touch with people who value the odd phone call or visit, particularly those who need to chat, feel isolated or are ill or struggling. Do let us know if you would like to be in contact with someone.

On Monday March 11th at 7pm Rev Carol Edleston will be licensed as our new Priest for Fowey by Bishop Hugh and Archdeacon Kelly. All are welcome to attend what promises to be a joyful occasion. There will be refreshments after the service.

To keep up-to-date do “like” and “follow” our Facebook page, go to our website (www.foweyparishchurch.org) and sign up to receive our weekly emails.

As ever, may you know God’s blessing and be a blessing to others.

Merisa, on behalf of Fowey Parish Church

January 2024

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up, do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland”.  Isaiah 43: 18-19

 Each week we send out an email to all those who sign up and want to receive our news.  For a long time this verse has been at the beginning of the email and at this time it is particularly relevant.  The truth is that God is always doing something new.  He is a creative God, with plenty more to reveal to us than we are able to take on board.  The past is the past and we are not to dwell on it – rather to look forward and step into new places, where God will bring water and new life.

 Fowey Parish Church, part of the Church of England, where we are accountable to our Rural Dean Paul, our Archdeacon Kelly, our Bishop Hugh and ultimately to Justin Welby the Archbishop of Canterbury, is not the same church as it was before the “split”, when Anchor church was set up as an alternative church in town four or so years ago.  And it is true to say that Fowey Parish Church is not the same as it was even one year ago.

 In this season of Advent, as we wait for the coming of the Christ child at Christmas, we also wait with expectation for the licensing of our new Priest for Fowey, Rev Carol Edleston in March 2024.  Carol is God’s unique priest for this unique place.  She will bring her own ideas, ways of being church in our community, and knowing us as she does she will be loving and accepting of all.  Although we know and respect other local churches and their leaders, our church here in the heart of Fowey will continue to have its own distinctive culture and character.  This is important to say before Carol becomes our priest because our vision and journey will be different.  Carol will not fit anyone’s preconceived mould – not even as the new vicar of Dibley! 

 We, as a church and as a Parochial Church Council, are excited to be moving forward so positively.  Carol says, “As many know, I could not be happier to know I will be leading Fowey Church during this brand new chapter.  Chris and I would like to thank the many people who have offered congratulations and support over the past days; we will never forget it!  We have also received numerous good wishes from churches both in and around Fowey.  We wish them, and all our friends and neighbours in the Fowey area, a 2024 that will be a great adventure of faith, hope and courage for us all.  Happy new year!”

December has been a very busy month for us church volunteers, with lots of community groups making use of the church.  Santa successfully turned on the Christmas tree lights for Fowey Christmas Market – thanks to all the local hardworking elves in the background.  Our Primary School held their Nativity Plays in church, and as I write this week we are looking forward to our Town Carol service and Midnight Mass.

 All will be welcome to attend Carol’s licensing as our new Priest for Fowey in March.  Do watch our website (www.foweyparishchurch.org) for the date and time, and if you’d like to receive our regular emails you can sign up on the website.  Do also “like” and “follow” our Facebook page.

 May God bless you, your friends and family and all those you love this Christmas.  May you know God’s peace and joy.  And you know where we are!

 Merisa, on behalf of Fowey Parish Church

December 2023

“O Lord you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways” Psalm 139

This Psalm is a great comfort. This is just the beginning few verses, so do look it up and read the whole thing. Sometimes we don’t let people get too close to us because we are afraid they might discover something about us that they don’t like. But God already knows everything about us and still accepts and loves us. God is all-seeing, all-knowing, all-holy and all-present. God knows us completely and He is with us through every trial and in every situation.

There is never a dull moment in the life of Fowey Parish Church. Different community groups have filled up our calendar and we are astonished at how much a motley crew of volunteers can achieve each week. Thanks to everyone for making sure the church is left clean. Our “holy dusters” (ladies who clean the church) are very grateful. December is of course a very busy time of the year, with plenty of music for everyone. Do join us outside church at 7pm on 8th December for some tunes from DJ Zorro as the Christmas Market weekend begins. We have our traditional Town Carol service on 17 December, then Christingle and Midnight Mass on 24th December. Do check our website and Facebook page to see what is happening.

We are hoping to have some news about the recruitment of a new part-time priest in the coming weeks and months since the process is now underway with the diocese. James Kirby and I are on the recruitment panel, along with Bishop Hugh, Archdeacon Kelly and our Rural Dean. I, and many others, will be looking forward to a well-earned holiday in due course!

Have a great December as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who sees us as we are and loves us completely. Let’s also be accepting of each other, generous, forgiving and be prepared to go the extra mile for those around us.

Merisa, on behalf of Fowey Parish Church

November 2023

“Great is the Lord...he is exalted over all the nations” Psalm 99 verse 2

During these troubled times of war, violence and uncertainty we need to be reminded that our God is bigger than everything we see going on around us. And seeing such devastation and loss of life in the Middle East when we feel powerless, we need to remember that God is all powerful and he can bring change. So we should pray and call on almighty God to intervene.

We are very grateful for so many visiting priests who have joined in our Sunday services recently. I write this the day after Rev Shona Hoad from Tywardreath and Golant visited and we had nearly 50 people at the service. It is a challenge to open the church, keep it clean, as well as hold services each week and to also facilitate weddings, funerals and baptisms. But our small, hard-working team are doing all we can to serve the community. Thank you for your patience when there is an occasional delay in getting back to you. One good way of keeping up with us is by looking at our website at www.foweyparishchurch.org or by following our Facebook page. This will be especially important in the run up to Christmas.

Our advert for a new part-time priest is now out, with a closing date of 1st November, so if you know someone who may be interested in the role, please encourage them to apply! It is online at “pathways Church of England” and in the Church Times. We are praying for the right person to join us in Fowey – a unique role for a unique individual.

As I look out of the window I see some things which are regular and predictable – such as the ferry, our resident heron, the bobbing of boats, people eating ice creams in Caffa Mill car park. But the strength of the wind, the height of the tide, the number of visitors can vary from day to day, hour to hour. So it is as we look at the state of our world. Nobody could have predicted the Covid pandemic, and now we can see so many parts of the world affected by conflicts, wars and famine, with whole countries and people cut off from the basic necessities of life and their loved ones.

Let’s do all we can to be peace makers, generously helping out people around us. We are to care for and love others because God loves us. We are all special and valuable and sometimes we need to hear that. If anyone would like a listening ear we have a small pastoral team here in Fowey Parish Church who would be happy to speak to you on the phone or visit you, in confidence. We also commit to praying for all the prayer requests left on our prayer tree in church. Let’s take care of each other folks.

Merisa, on behalf of Fowey PCC

October 2023

“Be patient with me and I will pay you back....” Matthew 18: 29

This is the story in Matthew’s gospel about the servant who was forgiven, but went on to treat a fellow servant unfairly. He knew of forgiveness and was probably grateful for it (since he owed a huge debt), but he made a judgement call because he knew he was OK. He and his family and all he owned were spared from being sold off to pay his debt. What did he do with this forgiveness, unexpected freedom? He got de-mob happy and having seen he was free, with power, he used his position to be nasty and make a fellow servant suffer. What a temptation it is for any of us who can exert control over someone else, in whatever way. Online is a good one. We all have a voice and can “control” our Facebook page, filtering out comments which don’t suit us and being vocal when we want to. We can also quickly react to a harsh word or something we didn’t want to hear by pointing out that we are in fact right and the other person needs to back down.

Superiority, privilege, using any position we might have (even within a family) can be dangerous and unhelpful. Not just for us, but for those we are around. So we should pause, and think a little about our reactions, our behaviour and the impact we have on others. Sometimes we just need to decide to be kind, and patient – even when we have been wronged by someone else. A little bit of time. A cooling off period. Time to pause and reflect.

When we truly fall on our knees and beg for forgiveness as this first servant did, then God hears us. It is a heart thing. God knows our hearts. Be encouraged that whatever we have done, and why ever we’ve done it, we can always get the slate wiped clean in God’s kingdom.

Talking of cleaning up I was in a wood yesterday and the farmers decided to not just harvest the crop (cabbages, cauliflowers?) but to leave some of the produce at the edge of the fields, for the wildlife but also for locals who wanted to use it. What a lovely biblical thing to do (gleaning), and how generous.

Let’s be generous, and keep on being good neighbours. I write this as we welcomed visitors in church today from the USA – walking in Cornwall. Who knows who and what is around the corner? Attitude and love speak volumes. We all have influence of some form or other. Let’s use it wisely.

Merisa, on behalf of Fowey PCC

PS Latest news is that Archdeacon Kelly is coming to do Midnight Mass in church at 23.30 on 24th December. Put it in your diary!

September 2023

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ”, Ephesians 1:3.

God is bigger than we are, and that’s good news. He knows us better than we know ourselves and He has plans for us – as individuals and as a wider community. Recently we have been encouraged to see Fowey Parish Church used by so many different people. Bishop Philip’s visit was a good chance to people to meet our Church of England bishop face-to-face and for him to see that, even without a vicar, our service to the town continues apace, with weddings and funerals as well as Sunday services.

This week in mid August we held our annual “opening of Regatta” service which saw some valuable contributions from locals Dick Doidge-Harrison, Steve Turpin and Paul Trewick, as well as a welcome and introduction to Regatta from Ken Jones. Interestingly they all mentioned the important role the church and its central position in town plays in the community. As I write, mid Regatta, we have both a Christening and a Funeral at the end of the week. Thank you for your consideration in leaving space for visiting cars at the front of church for these important occasions.

Many local people have asked about when they can receive Holy Communion. When we have visiting clergy on a Sunday we ask them to do Communion at both the formal 9am and the more informal 10.30 services. Do check our church website each week for details (www.foweyparishchurch.org)

Do also make a note that our Harvest Festival will be held on 24th September at 10.30, and all donated harvest gifts will be given to the Fowey Food Larder. If you would prefer to give a financial donation instead we will ensure that is also possible.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and see you soon.

Merisa, on behalf of Fowey PCC

August 2023

“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name”, Psalm 33:20-21

Change is constant, in Fowey, with us as individuals, and in the Church. Yet God doesn’t change His mind about the depth of His love for us, so we can indeed trust Him, today and everyday. He hears our prayers, knows our needs and wants us to encounter His living presence. Over 1,000 prayers have been left on our Prayer Tree (located just inside the church) since December, so just 7 months ago. This alone speaks of how much we want God’s help in our daily lives. Take a look at some of them, they are very moving.

Life continues apace in Fowey Church, with funerals and weddings, as well as our regular Sunday services. We’ve had visiting Pilgrims, preachers, people from the cruise ships, and lots of visitors during the week, seeking a quiet place, or a dry place to eat their sandwiches.

As I write this, we are anticipating a busy few weeks. The Rt Rev Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro, is coming to conduct our service on 30th July, then there is a wedding on 5th August (please leave space for visiting cars at the front of church when we have weddings and funerals) and we have our Regatta Service at 10am on 13th August. We are encouraged that the church is used by so many different groups in our local community.

Our new Parochial Church Council (PCC) met again on Tuesday 18th July. Following recent widespread consultation with the congregation and the wider Fowey community, the PCC has voted unanimously to rescind the previous PCC’s resolution requiring male leadership. The PCC approved a revised parish profile for the Diocese to use in recruiting the new vicar. The PCC wants the best candidate to meet the needs of Fowey Parish Church, regardless of gender.

Thank you to everyone who has let us know how they feel about the new part time vicar. It has been a helpful process for us, and we are keen now to recruit as soon as possible.

You know where we are! Please visit and use your church – all are welcome.

Merisa, on behalf of Fowey PCC

July 2023

It is a new season for St Fimbarrus church, with a new Parochial Church Council (PCC) having been recently elected. A number of former PCC members, including both Church Wardens, chose not to continue in their roles. There was discussion at the APCM from a number of concerned parishioners that the old PCC’s resolution in January 2022 to appoint a male-only vicar was misguided and unrepresentative of the parish and the town of Fowey. There was disappointment that this had happened without consultation and many expressed a strong desire for change.

Most attendees wanted Fowey Church to be accessible to all, as Anglican churches around the world seek to be – biblically based, prayer focused and open to welcome everyone with the love of God and the good news that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour. We seek to include all people, wherever they are in their journey of faith.

We will address again the resolution which was passed by the previous PCC that as a church our preference was for an overall male priest. This will be done with reference to our local community, leadership of the Church of England and Truro Diocese. We as a PCC recognize that both men and women are called by God to serve as clergy and in other roles within the church, which is why we will address the issue fully.

Please watch out over the next month or so for opportunities to let us know your thoughts about how we move forward to recruit a new Church of England part time parish priest after nearly 4 years of being led by lay volunteers and visiting clergy (both male and female). We are conscious that Fowey Parish Church has a lot to offer our wider community, of all ages. Weddings and funerals continue to take place, and we are so grateful for all the new faces and volunteers who make this possible.

We seek to be open and honest as we begin the task as a new PCC not only to “keep the show on the road” but to grow in number, and in our Christian faith. Please bear with us as we find our feet, and if you feel you can help out in any way during this interim period do drop me an email: merisamacinnes@yahoo.co.uk

Merisa, on behalf of Fowey PCC