Welcome to the Plymouth and Devonport Circuit

Dear One and All,

Welcome to the Plymouth and Devonport Circuit website. We are part of the Methodist Church of Great Britain and the Plymouth and Exeter District, which comprises almost 300 churches in the District and about 9000 members.

The Plymouth and Devonport Circuit stretches from Ivybridge and Bittaford along the A38 to the East of Plymouth, through the City of Plymouth and across the Tamar into Cornwall to Torpoint and Millbrook. Our Circuit serves rural communities, the suburbs of Plymouth together with industrial and military installations in the Devonport area. Our Circuit is as diverse as the City and locality we seek to serve in the name of Christ Jesus.

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It is serving the Lord Jesus Christ which the Methodist Church in this Circuit is really all about. It’s not just a Sunday thing, but a 24/7, 365 total commitment thing! It’s a way of life. So, in the Methodist Church across the City you will find people doing all kinds of things in the name of Jesus. People will be involved with Street Pastors, the health and healing ministry, schools’ ministry, chaplaincy in our hospitals at Mount Gould, Derriford, St. Lukes’ Hospice and the Devon and Cornwall Police. There will be people working with young people in the uniformed groups and the Boys and Girls Brigade. There will be Bible studies and Christian courses, and people wishing to explore Christianity through courses like Alpha and Disciple. And of course we worship together in styles which range from the traditional to modern and contemporary, from Messy Church to Celtic. You will also find, being the Methodist Church, we eat a lot together – the Methodist gift to the World Church.

It is my hope that in our churches you will find a welcome. It is my hope too that you will be able to make a spiritual home with us; where the life of prayer, the life of faith and life transformed by living it with Jesus will be a great joy and hope to you.

So welcome again, in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord!

Every blessing,

Revd Simon H Leigh
Superintendent minister.

Latest News from the Circuit:

A Message from Revd Simon Leigh

(Added: 24 March 2020)

Dear One and All,

We are living in extraordinary times. In many respects we are in lockdown and I suspect many of you are anxious about how things will turn out. Faced with an invisible menace it plays on our deepest fears. We are concerned for family and friends, for our way of life and how those magnificent folk in the NHS will cope with what is to come.

This morning I shall be reading Isa:7:10-14, Heb.10:4-10. Lk 1:26-38. It is the celebration of the Annuniciation of our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary. A hymn to read or sing: Tell out my soul 186StF.

The words which struck home to me were 'Do not be afraid' (Lk.1:30) I wonder over the years how often countless numbers of men, women, boys and girls, young and old have contemplated those words. At times of difficulty, calamity, tragedy and despair how those words have spoken into the hearts of those who were fearful, exhausted or despairing. The words of comfort are set in the context of the 'The Lord is with you' (Lk.1:28) So too for us now, 'the Lord is with you' is a reality and as a consequence, our fears  and anxiety are embraced by that overwhelming truth.

Our faith may be sorely tested in the weeks and months to come. I pray in those times of our deepest need that the comfort of the Holy Spirit, the presence of Christ and the love of God will grant us peace, grace and the strength to endure.

Every blessing,

Revd Simon H Leigh.
Superintendent minister.

Suspension of All Public Worship

(Added: 17 March 2020)

Friends,

The Methodist Church, in common with the Church of England, has announced that all public worship shall be suspended as of now and this situation will continue for as long as necessary. Full advice is available on the Methodist Church in Britain website.

It will be for each church in the Plymouth and Devonport Circuit to consider its pastoral response but in the first instance pastoral contact should be over the telephone. All church councils and circuit meetings across the Connexion have been cancelled until further notice.

May I ask you to pray about this current state of emergency and its impact on all of us in the UK and beyond. When this has passed, as it will eventually, I wonder what we shall have learned and what unexpected good will come from it.

Every blessing,
Simon.

Revd Simon H Leigh.
Superintendent minister: Plymouth and Devonport Circuit

Coronavirus (Covid 19)

(Added: 16 March 2020)

Friends,

The coronavirus continues to spread in the UK and we must be wise and responsible in our response to this situation. The Methodist Church will follow the Government’s advice on how to respond and likewise, adhere to the requirements laid down by the Department of Health. If you become ill with flu-like symptoms or a cough, cold or fever please DO NOT attend church services or related activities at your church. Please take advice from your GP or NHS111 and it may be necessary to self-isolate.

Where a case of coronavirus is established in a church it will be necessary for that church to close for at least 14 days and all activities at that church will cease. Advice should be taken as to whether or not the premises should be deep-cleaned. (Advice may be obtained from your local council – environmental health or via the NHS).

As a Church we will pray for all those affected by this virus in this country and abroad, remembering especially those who are mourning as a result. We will pray for the scientists and medical staff who are seeking to find a vaccine to prevent this virus and for all those In the NHS who have to care for those affected.

Revd Simon H Leigh.
Superintendent minister: Plymouth and Devonport Circuit.
March 2020.