Search Results

This August, Emmanuel Church in Plymouth invites you into a season of intentional stillness, reflection, and spiritual renewal through our summer teaching series, Be Still. 🚨 Sunday evenings at 6:30pm (instead of the Sunday evening service) ⏰ Starting August the 3rd, running for 5 weeks until the 31st August. 📍 In the Oval room at Emmanuel In a culture of hurry, noise, and distraction, the words of Psalm 46:10— “Be still, and know that I am God” —resonate with deep relevance. This series is a timely call to pause, breathe, and realign our lives with God’s presence and purposes. Why “Be Still”? We live in a world where being busy is worn like a badge of honour, and rest can feel like a luxury rather than a necessity. The Be Still  series invites us to challenge that mindset by exploring what it means to truly slow down and live from a place of peace and presence. Throughout August, we’ll explore themes such as: Session 1: 3rd - Encounter In the first session of the Be Still series, we’ll explore the importance of encountering God in the quiet time. Session 2: 10th - Scripture In this session, we’ll unpack the significance of the Bible and how we can use, learn and memorise the word of God in our quiet time. Session 3: 17th - Wonder In this session, we’ll explore how practising wonder and using our imagination in our quiet time can help us to discover more of God’s presence. Session 4: 24th - Hiddenness In this session, we’ll tackle the challenges of persevering and hiddenness in our daily time with God, and how they can help us to grow in faith. Session 5: 31st - Mission In our final session of the Be Still series, we’ll think about how our quiet time can prepare us to share our faith in Jesus with the world. Each week’s message will be rooted in Scripture, drawing wisdom from the life of Jesus and the ancient practices of silence, solitude, and prayer. It’s not about withdrawing from life, but about learning how to be fully present in it, with God at the centre. An Invitation for Everyone Whether you’ve been part of Emmanuel Church for years or you’re just beginning to explore faith, the Be Still  series is for you. Come as you are, tired, busy, curious, or seeking and discover the gift of stillness in God’s presence. Join us every Sunday in August at Emmanuel Church, as we create space to listen, reflect, and be renewed. There will also be opportunities during the week for prayer, personal retreat, and creative ways to deepen what God is speaking to you. Be still, not as a command to stop everything, but as an invitation to encounter the One who holds everything.

I was nudged in my side by my wife in a church pew at a Sunday service, “you should do that”. She was encouraging me to attend Alpha through the church after seeing it on the screen. Jess was one of the many people that had nudged me in the past 6 months to look a bit closer at my faith and beliefs. If I’ve learnt anything in our relationship together, it is to listen to my wife and I often need strong encouragement. So, I signed up to Alpha, not sure what to expect, but went with an open mind and the vague feeling I was going to be bible bashed and told what to believe. What I found from joining a weekly meeting was a group of people seeking meaning, with big questions, all being explored in a tired church hall on a Tuesday evening in Plymouth. The welcome I felt each week was powerful and warm, feeling that I belonged and was safe to ask the questions that have itched me for many years and I have refused to look at. I found that each week I looked forward to the session and left each session with a lot of questions to ponder throughout the week. On the first evening we were asked one question to explore - If Gods existence was proven to be undeniably true, what one question would you ask them? Many were able to give such prompt answers – what’s the meaning of life? what’s it all about? why did this and that happen? To this day, 6 months later, I am still stuck on what to ask. 1 question. How can I boil everything down to one question. I can come up with hundreds. I often find myself pondering the question at completely random times. The fact that we were only allowed one has been a great thought provoker and I hope one day to tell the leader of Alpha what my question will be. This in a way summed up Alpha for me, better questions than answers and enjoying the journey.   Alpha didn’t feel like your typical course, with expected outcomes a certificate and something to put on my LinkedIn at the end. It didn’t come at me with pressure or prepackaged answers. It felt more like being invited into a conversation than a classroom. Each week, we gathered with a nice bite to eat, which made it feel more like a family meal than a meeting, watched a short talk, and then talked openly. We’d check in with each other and see how their week had been, we’d share stories and laugh as we ate. In a small group discussion, I met people from all walks of life. All at different stages and different reasons for being there. Some felt like they had been in church their whole lives and knew all the ‘right’ things to say. Others seemed more distant, but open to asking. A few, like me, were somewhere in between searching, unsure, maybe a little skeptical. And yet, the room was full of honesty. We laughed, we disagreed respectfully, and we asked real questions, the kind that most people are too polite or too nervous to ask out loud, especially in church. I would always start every question with “sorry I’m going to ask the annoying question”. What surprised me most was how safe it felt. No one tried to “fix” my doubts or steer me in a certain direction. The leaders simply listened and shared their own journeys without pretense. There was something deeply human about it, to sit in a space with strangers and admit we don’t have all the answers, but still feel like we’re allowed to ask. Over the weeks, something shifted. I began to think about faith not just as a set of beliefs, but as a relationship. We explored who Jesus is, what prayer means, and whether there’s more to life than just the visible, tangible world. I wrestled with a lot of those ideas, but I never felt alone in the wrestling. It turned out that the time of Alpha correspondent with quite big life changes and challenges for me. I believe that the plot meant that this was meant to happen at this time and it has helped me to navigate a turbulent time. Looking back, Alpha didn’t give me all the answers, but it gave me a place to ask the right questions and that made all the difference. It helped me see that faith isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about taking a step, being curious, and letting yourself be open to the possibility that God might actually be real and present and closer than you think. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the bigger picture, about God, about purpose, about why we’re here, I’d honestly recommend Alpha. It’s not flashy or preachy. It’s real. And sometimes, real is exactly what we need.

In a world where trauma touches almost every corner of our lives, having spaces dedicated to healing, learning, and connection is essential. How to navigate trauma is vital in helping to create happy safe spaces. Emmanuel is hosting two powerful sessions on September 26 + 27 and here’s why investing in this event will be incredibly worthwhile: 1. Learn from experts & lived experience Day 1 is titled “Building a Trauma‑Sensitive Organisation”  and features seasoned professionals like Ruth Stephens (founder of Join the Dots and experienced OT in trauma therapy) and Tracy Bennett (25+ years as a social worker specialising in adversity). They will guide you through understanding trauma's impact, relational healing, nutrition, and embedding trauma‑informed principles across your work. Dr. Clare Pettinger is an award-winning Registered Dietitian, Public Health Nutritionist, and educator whose work explores the powerful intersections between food, trauma, and social justice. With a strong focus on community-engaged research, she addresses how food insecurity and poverty can be both causes and consequences of trauma. Dr. Pettinger is passionate about using creative, inclusive methods to amplify marginalised voices and promote healing through sustainable food systems. Her insights offer a unique lens on trauma informed practice, highlighting how nutrition, dignity, and equity are vital components of community wellbeing. 2. Practical tools for immediate application Through interactive workshops and expert talks, you’ll gain real-world strategies, from creating safe, inclusive environments to implementing trauma sensitive, sustainable practices within diverse organisational settings. These tools are designed to be actionable, allowing participants to translate insights into tangible change. You’ll explore methods for fostering psychological safety, promoting resilience, and embedding equity and wellbeing into everyday operations. Whether you're a leader, practitioner, or policymaker, you’ll leave equipped to influence culture, drive systemic improvements, and respond compassionately and effectively to complex challenges. 3. How to tackle burnout On September 27, the morning session, “How to Avoid Burnout in Ministry,”  delves into the often overlooked emotional toll of caregiving and leadership. Addressing crucial issues such as vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and the pressures of continuous service, this session is specifically designed for helpers, carers, and ministry leaders who work with others daily. Participants will gain practical tools to build personal resilience, set healthy boundaries, and reconnect with the deeper purpose of their work. With a focus on long-term sustainability, the session empowers you to care for yourself as intentionally as you care for others ensuring your ministry remains life giving, not draining. 4. Connect with a supportive community You’ll be surrounded by a dynamic network of professionals, advocates, and community members—each dedicated to advancing trauma-informed care. These gatherings go far beyond passive learning; they’re intentionally designed as interactive, relational spaces where meaningful connection takes root. Whether you're exchanging stories, brainstorming solutions, or simply listening with empathy, you’ll find encouragement, inspiration, and solidarity. It’s a chance to share your experiences, learn from others, and grow together in a community that values healing, collaboration, and collective impact. 5. Accessible and Inclusive Pricing We want this training to reach everyone. Day 1 is just £25 , including lunch, and Day 2 is £10 , including refreshments. Funding support is available on request to keep the event open and accessible Who Should Attend? Charities, health service workers, churches, schools and youth organisations  aiming to better support trauma affected individuals. Professionals or volunteers  seeking to infuse trauma sensitivity into their environment and interactions. Caregivers, counsellors, and ministry leaders  wanting to learn from peers and refresh their resilience. Anyone passionate about creating safer, more compassionate spaces  in community contexts. In Summary Attending Emmanuel Plymouth’s Trauma‑Informed Conference gives you: Expert guidance in trauma-informed practice Actionable tools for immediate implementation A nurturing community of learners and leaders Affordable, inclusive access to high-quality training Strategies for self-care and avoiding burnout Whether you’re looking to build a trauma-informed organisation or safeguard your own well-being in care roles, these two days offer clarity, empowerment, and hope. Book your place now  and take a meaningful step toward creating healthier, more resilient spaces in your community.

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, Part time, SSM Rev Bev Cree Parish Deacon, Part time, SSM Rev Peter Shaw Team Rector Rev Tony Williams Parish Assosiate Rev Robin Brown Team Vicar, Part time, SSM 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

VOLUNTEER Looking for a way to grow in your faith, connect with others and make a real impact? Volunteering with our church is your opportunity to do all that and more. Whether it’s greeting guests, mentoring youth, leading worship, or helping behind the scenes, there’s a place for you here. Use your gifts to serve a greater purpose and be part of something bigger than yourself. Together, we’re building a stronger community, one act of service at a time. Opportunities Music Our sung worship is led by a team of instrumentalists and singers, lifting our hearts to the Lord in adoration, thanksgiving and prayer, in contemporary and traditional styles. Bell Ringing We have a ring of eight bells and some very keen campanologists (bellringers!) who ring for our services and practice on Thursday evenings. All ages welcome. Hospitality Eating together is a great way of growing into the church family. If you would like to be involved in any aspect of catering, you will always find a welcome from the team. Flowers We have flowers beautifully prepared for us. Join the team to help prepare and arrange flowers to enliven our church. Digital team I.T is used prolifically to undergird our ministries. In church for data projection of liturgy, hymns, videos, etc., also vision mixing for online services and, of course the sound desk. Maintenance Team Help to look after the church by putting your skills to ensure our building is looked after. Register an interest To express an interest in volunteering with the church please complete this form and a member of the team will get in touch with you. Alternatively email: office@emmanuelplymouth.co.uk First Name Last Name Email Message Please let us know where you'd like to volunteer * Required Music Team Hospitality Team Digital Team Bell Ringing Maintenance Team Flower arranging Send Thanks for submitting an enquiry, a member of the team will be in touch with you shortly

This compassionate program offers a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where non-residential parents, those separated from their children due to court rulings, can spend meaningful, supervised time with their children. CHILD CONTACT CENTRE Child Contact is a vital weekly initiative run by Emmanuel Church, in partnership with dedicated members of the local community. This compassionate program offers a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where non-residential parents—those separated from their children due to court rulings—can spend meaningful, supervised time with their children. The sessions are carefully structured and overseen by trained volunteers, ensuring the well-being and emotional security of both the children and the parents. These supervised visits not only maintain vital family bonds but also help build trust, stability, and positive communication in challenging circumstances. What makes Child Contact at Emmanuel especially unique is that it is currently the only free supervised contact centre in Plymouth, making it an essential lifeline for families who might otherwise be unable to afford such services. By providing this service at no cost, Emmanuel Church and its volunteers are meeting a deeply human need, offering dignity, hope, and the chance for healing where it’s needed most. Working with The National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) Submit an enquiry about the centre Name Email Enquiry Submit