A testimony from a member of our church community I’ve always had a relationship with God, but it was at best distant and I would typically try to talk to him when I was asking for something or needed an answer. Walking past Emmanuel Church on Christmas Eve in 2025 I felt compelled to just go in and try to re-connect with God, and that evening became so much more than that. Over previous years I had visited other Churches for friends’ weddings and baptisms, but this Church felt different and when Peter (the rector) invited me to Alpha on that Christmas Eve, it felt personal. I had no idea what to expect from Alpha although I had a healthy dose of scepticism that there would be lots of good Christians trying to persuade me that I needed to attend church more and be a better human being. In reality it wasn’t like that at all. As a small group we watched videos together that answered many questions and enabled lots of comments and observations through honest conversation in what felt like a safe place. My overall experience was that of not being judged, which was helpful as well as being a conducive way to explore. I was grateful for that. I also met like-minded souls on the journey, some of whom had the same questions and somehow that seemed to make it easier to open up our conversations. Having gone through that journey with them, I now refer to most as true friends, and that kind of friendship has a high value in any context, and yet it somehow seems more special because of our time together. Almost 18 months later, I still have questions, and I still have huge moments of doubt and feelings of condemnation. But I have moved a little bit closer to Jesus, and I am coming to realise that he never really left me. In my dark moments I don’t feel so alone and I know that when we talk he really is listening. I’m also learning the importance of being still and listening closer to Gods whispser. In my light moments I know that Jesus is somehow orchestrating his plan, and that in some way I don’t fully understand, he is allowing me to live an amazing life. I feel blessed that he does. Thank you to Alpha.

Held, Upheld, and Loved: Reflections on New Life and Church Family ✨ They say it takes a village to raise a baby, but for us, we have found that it takes a church family. Emmanuel Church is a place where community comes together to reflect God’s unconditional love, holding and caring for one another through every season of change, difficulty, and need. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, we are reminded that "in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others" (Romans 12:5). Never was the reality of that truth made clearer to me than when we recently welcomed our third baby, Finneas, into the world—and straight into the arms of the most caring extended family you could ever ask for. Inundated with Love in Thought, Deed, and Action From the moment Finn arrived, our home was filled with tangible expressions of God's grace. There were hand-knitted cardigans, beautiful cards, flowers, chocolates, and even homemade fruitcake that literally sustained us during those bleary-eyed 2am night feeds! The bath salts, face cream, and bubble bath dropped on our doorstep made me, as a mother, feel so deeply seen and loved. For at least a month, not a single day went by without someone dropping in, sending a thoughtful message, making a phone call, or posting a card—living out the call to "encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Whether it was someone answering a quick question (even for a third-time parent!), replying to a late-night text, or popping to the shop to grab Infacol for our unsettled baby, we saw Paul's words brought to life: "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). In every practical gesture, we saw Jesus. We didn't feel like simply members of a church congregation; we felt wrapped in the warm, living embrace of an extended family in Christ. Faithfulness That Breathes Life The prayers offered for us were a true lifeline. The time and effort people took to pray for Finn’s health and healing from colic and a suspected dairy intolerance, for my own physical recovery, and for our whole family as we adjusted breathed God's peace and fresh life into us when days felt like a blur, punctuated at times by frustration, sadness and a desperation for our baby to be content and happy. I remember struggling into church when Finn was just four days old — perhaps something I wouldn’t recommend doing again! — but I went because I knew I would be held. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually, I knew it would be okay because someone would always be there to hold the baby... and, in turn, hold me in Christ's love. Known, Cherished, and Belonging From the moment Finn was first introduced on stage at church and we, as bleary-eyed parents, smiled with pride, we felt an overwhelming tide of warmth toward him. Today, he is truly known by his church family, loved deeply, and checked in on regularly. Having heard these familiar, loving voices for months, he is now completely comfortable in their arms as they speak to him as if he were their own. Even through his early struggles and now as he is getting older, more wriggly and the interest can naturally wane, the ongoing support and love has never wavered. It has been profoundly humbling to see the positive impact Finn has had on our congregation across all generations—from the youngest to the oldest. Watching the unfiltered joy and happiness he brings to others has been a profound reminder of how God’s love flows back and forth when a church family lives, loves, and walks together as one body.

As the vibrant hum of activity settles at Emmanuel, our church family is left with hearts overflowing with gratitude for all that God accomplished through this year’s Summer Light Factory. Across five action-packed mornings, our building was filled with laughter, creativity, high-energy games, meaningful questions, storytelling, and energetic worship—complete with the occasional shaving foam pie! Far beyond the crafts and games, the week was marked by what lies at the heart of Emmanuel: serving with love, building authentic community, and sharing the life-changing truth of the gospel. Serving with Joy, Loving One Another Putting on an event like Summer Light Factory requires huge dedication, but above all, a desire to serve generously. From the moment the red carpet was rolled out and doors opened, the warmth across our volunteer team was clear to see. Over 50 leaders, actors, and helpers gave their time, energy, and prayers to ensure every child felt known, valued, and loved. "It has been an amazing week! I have loved going round seeing lots of happy faces, some I know well and others we have only met this year. I hope I get to see you all again at our next event!" Joy was a common theme across the entire volunteer team. "Seeing the church filled with so much joy and laughter every single morning was incredible. Serving together didn’t feel like work at all—it was an absolute privilege to help create a place where these children felt so loved, valued, and welcome." "I just love spending time with the children and helping them to know something about how much God loves them." Where Friendships and Confidence Flourished One of our greatest privileges as a church is creating a safe environment where children can step out of their comfort zones, build real confidence, and form lasting friendships. Across the five mornings, quiet moments turned into encouragement as kids worked in teams, created at craft tables, and cheered each other on during games and on-stage drama. "Thank you so much for this week, it’s been a great blessing! On the first day my child came out saying, 'I've had the best day ever!' It has done him the world of good spending time with other kids. For him to keep returning each day is a true testament to you guys. You are awesome...we love Emmanuel Church!" Introducing the Next Generation to Jesus At Emmanuel, our deep calling is to be a clear light for our city. Bringing Bible stories to life allowed children to discover just how deeply valued they are by God, inspiring a genuine desire to learn more. "We were so impressed with the engagement of the children and their readiness to learn and listen. They were able to answer and ask lots of questions at the end, which was so rewarding for us as leaders and teachers." "Children arrived in our den each morning and wanted us to open the Bible with them, reading and talking about the stories of Jesus and linking it through to the memory verses they learnt each day. The most rewarding thing of the week was to hear children becoming interested in and eager to hear the word of God and continuing this learning and discovery at home." "It wasn't just great fun—it was meaningful. Hearing my son sing the songs at home and talk about Jesus with so much excitement has been amazing!" Looking Ahead The biggest takeaway? "You should do it more often; I would love it if I could go for another week!” To all the families who joined us—thank you for trusting us with your children. We can't wait to welcome you back to our Sunday morning children's groups and other upcoming activities already in the pipeline!

St Paul's Efford, join us for our Sunday service at 10am. Welcome to St paul's Church EFFORD ONE BIG FAMILY We're a community of Christians who seek to follow Jesus Christ in our daily lives. Church is so much more than the building we meet in each week. It's a vibrant community of people of all ages. We help each other to follow Jesus Christ as we live and work in Plymouth. MEET THE TEAM Looking Upward to our Lord in Prayer, Inward that his Word might shape our lives and Outward to fulfil our Great Commission our services Every week we meet on : sundays 10.00AM Main service Our main service aims to be lively and relevant to life, based upon teaching from the Bible. There is something for all the family with children's activities available. Be sure to stick around after the service for a refreshments and some great chat. 6.30pM evening service FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH An informal but exciting meeting for Praise & Prayer. We sing together and we pray together for the needs of the world, the local community, and one another. our LOCATION 100 Efford Lane, Efford, Plymouth, PL3 6LT safe guarding statement If you have a concern about the safety of someone or the actions of someone working with children or vulnerable adults, please speak to someone. The Diocesan Safeguarding Team can be contacted here . Our Safeguarding Policy Statement can be viewed here . If you are a young person and you feel unhappy about something happening to you, you can call Childline on 0800 11 11 our team includes: Rev Darryl Cree Vicar of St. Paul's Rev Bev Cree Parish Deacon Rev Peter Shaw Team Rector Rev Robin Brown Team Vicar Rev Simon Springett Permission to Officiate get in touch If you would like to get in touch, please contact the office by emailing info@stpaulsefford.co.uk or call us on 01752 260317 Submit Thanks for submitting! back to emmanuel Church Up

Growing Faith Worker Salary: £31,000 - £32,500 Hours: 37.5 Hours p/w Contract: 3 years (possibility of extending to five years) Applications close: Tuesday 1st September Interviews: Wednesday 9th September Join us in shaping a generation. As Growing Faith Worker, you will champion the spiritual growth of young people and young adults, helping them belong, believe and flourish within an intergenerational church community. Combining local ministry with the wider Plymouth 2035 vision, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact both within Emmanuel Plymouth and across the city. 1 Role Purpose Emmanuel is in a season of growth as we seek to be “a light to the city.” As well as the start of the Plymouth 2035, seeking to change the way we work with the younger generation. We want to move beyond program-led, age-segregated models towards something more relational, intergenerational, and deeply rooted in belonging. The Growing Faith Worker will play a key role developing the youth work at Emmanuel, helping enable households to have faith encounters at home and helping develop church culture towards a more intergeneration approach to worship as a church community. The role will also focus on looking outward towards the community — building relationships beyond church settings developing sustainable partnerships with schools and community organisations. While the primary focus of the role is on youth (11–18), there is an investment into young adults (18–30), the role will create environments of proximity, discipleship, and participation—equipping the wider church to take shared responsibility for the next generation. Partly funded through the Church of England’s national Strategic Mission & Ministry Investment Board programme, the role contributes directly to the Diocese of Exeter’s strategic priorities, supporting long-term cultural change in how faith is nurtured, shared and sustained across Devon. 2 Shape Culture and Vision Develop and communicate a compelling vision for Youth and Young Adult Ministry that is relational, intergenerational, and discipleship focused. Help the Church embed a culture in which the whole church plays a role and takes responsibility for forming faith in young people. Ensure leaders and the wider congregation grows in confidence in relation to, discipling, and walking alongside young people and young adults. Give insight and ideas to develop intergenerational worship into something that is engaging and relevant for the whole church. 3 Youth Ministry Develop an engaging youth work programme that meets the needs of the young people in and out of the church community, ensuring they are integrated into the wider church family. Build trusted relationships with local schools that are open to partnership, in line with the principles of the Growing Faith Foundation. Create pathways for young people to participate fully in worship, service, leadership, and mission across the church. Allowing young people to explore and develop their giftings. Build teams, by training and supporting volunteers, in all areas of the work. Never operate in isolation where others could be involved. Build strong pastoral relationships with young people, supporting their spiritual and personal growth. Empower young people to live out their faith outside of church, in their homes, schools and other contexts. Support key transition points (especially into secondary school), ensuring continuity of belonging and discipleship. Serve the wider Growing Faith vision for Plymouth, contributing beyond their immediate church or mission community. Participate fully in a Growing Faith Community of Practice, offering and receiving support, shared learning and reflective practice. Ensure a culture of safeguarding excellence. 4 Young Adult and Student Ministry Cultivate a thriving, intergenerational community where young adults are deeply connected into the life of the church. Encourage and release young adults into leadership, service, and ministry across the wider church. Help create a culture of serving and active participation amongst Young Adults. Oversee clear pathways for students and Young Adults to find community, grow in faith, and develop discipleship habits. Create environments where faith, vocation, identity, and everyday life are explored openly and integrated meaningfully. Help build and form small groups that foster belonging, spiritual growth and mission. Full Job Description Parish Profile How to apply: Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to Rev. Peter Shaw peter.shaw@emmanuelplymouth.co.uk If you would like an informal conversation about the role before applying, please contact Peter Shaw by email at peter.shaw@emmanuelplymouth.co.uk

Emmanuel Church, Plymouth. A light for the city. Join us for worship and community. Hello Plan your visit A light for the City Following Jesus together as we serve Plymouth with hope, compassion, and a heart to see lives transformed. Learn More Connect I'm New What's On Explore Alpha About FREE CURRY NIGHT Saturday 12th September 7-9:30pm Curious about life, faith, or who Jesus is? Alpha is a place to explore the big questions in a relaxed, friendly environment. We're launching this term's Alpha with a free Curry Night Info Join the team Join Emmanuel Church Plymouth in shaping the next generation through Gospel-centred ministry. We're seeking a passionate leader to inspire, disciple and equip children, families and volunteers in a growing church community. Job info Read and Reflect Alpha brought me home A testimony from a member of our church community I’ve always had a relationship with God, but it was at best distant and I would typically try to talk to him when I was asking for something or needed an answer. Walking past Emmanuel Church on Christmas Eve in 2025 I felt compelled to just go in and try to re-connect with God, and that evening became so much more than that. Over previous years I had visited other Churches for friends’ weddings and baptisms, but this Church Emmanuel 2 days ago Held in Love Held, Upheld, and Loved: Reflections on New Life and Church Family ✨ They say it takes a village to raise a baby, but for us, we have found that it takes a church family. Emmanuel Church is a place where community comes together to reflect God’s unconditional love, holding and caring for one another through every season of change, difficulty, and need. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, we are reminded that "in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to al Jess Horne 2 days ago More Posts Scan the QR code to download the Church App, for more info on events, what's happening and how to get involved