Discovering the power of coaching - Saturday 13 February 2027 What if one of the most powerful things we could do as a church was simply to help one another grow? Imagine a church where the older generation intentionally invests in the younger; where home group leaders help people discover their gifts; where we become better at walking alongside one another through life's challenges; and where people are equipped not simply to do things, but to flourish in all that God has called them to be. That's the opportunity coaching offers. As a genuinely multigenerational church, we have something special. We have an incredible breadth of experience, wisdom, gifts and potential across our church family. We want to become increasingly intentional about bringing these together, creating a culture where we invest in one another and help each other flourish. Coaching is a key part of that journey. Coaching is, in many ways, something we see Jesus doing throughout the Gospels. He was a master at asking brilliant questions. Rather than always giving people the answers, he often invited them to think more deeply, discover what was happening in their hearts and see things differently. He created space for people to encounter truth and respond for themselves. Coaching is about learning to do something similar: helping someone think things through, rather than simply telling them what to do. That might mean discerning what God is saying, navigating a tricky relationship, exploring a new idea or working out how to take something forward. You don't need to be an expert in someone's situation. Instead, coaching equips you to offer a safe space, ask thoughtful questions and, above all, listen really. well On Saturday 13 February, Ian will be leading us through an introduction to coaching, drawing on the approach of 3D Coaching. We'll explore some of the principles behind coaching and have the opportunity to put them into practice. This isn't simply about adding another skill to our toolkit. It's about developing a culture at Emmanuel where we are intentional about growing disciples, developing leaders, releasing gifts and investing in people. Who is this for? This day will be particularly valuable for anyone involved in: Working with children and young people. Investing in and supporting young adults. Leading or facilitating a home group. Pastoral care and supporting others. Developing leaders and helping others discover their gifts. But you don't need to be in a particular role. If you are passionate about seeing other people grow and flourish, this is for you! We believe that as we learn to listen better, ask better questions and invest more intentionally in one another, we can become a church where people are equipped to flourish across every generation. Please save the date: Saturday 13 February 2027. We'll be starting in the morning, with further details and information about how to sign up coming soon. We are excited about what God might do as we learn to help one another flourish!

Have you heard us singing ‘Give Me Joy’ by Elle Limebear yet? If not, we'd love to encourage you to give it a listen! There is something rather special about this song. It brings together something old and something new, taking a familiar childhood hymn and giving it a fresh lease of life for a new generation. In Matthew 13:52, Jesus speaks about bringing out of our treasures things both new and old. I wonder whether there is something of that in this song. It takes the much-loved words and melody of ‘Give Me Oil in My Lamp’, a song many of us will remember singing at school, Sunday school or church, and gives it a fresh sound, new verses and a renewed sense of joy. It's a wonderful reminder that the truths of our faith are never old-fashioned. But there's something worth noticing in the new lyrics, too. For all its infectious energy and upbeat rhythm, this song has something quite profound to say about joy. We often think of joy as a feeling, something that comes when life is going well or when we have something to celebrate. And joy certainly is something we experience and feel. But the Christian understanding of joy goes much deeper. Joy is also a gift from God, something the Holy Spirit grows in us (Galatians 5:22). Jesus speaks about wanting his joy to be in us, so that our joy may be complete (John 15:11). That means our joy isn't ultimately dependent on our circumstances or how we happen to feel on a particular day. It is rooted in knowing Jesus. So, as you listen to the new lyrics, look out for that deeper message. Beneath the infectious tune is a reminder that true joy is found in God, given by his Spirit and something we can carry with us through every season of life. It's a song that makes you want to sing, but also gives you something worth thinking about! The song has been making quite an impact! It reached number one in the Official UK Christian & Gospel Singles Chart, spending an incredible nine weeks at number one and thirteen weeks in the chart's top ten. That's quite an achievement for a song rooted in a childhood Sunday school favourite! Our band spent Monday evening practising the song together. The following morning, one of our musicians was walking past a builder working nearby when they heard something rather unexpected: the builder was singing ‘Give Me Joy’! The musician had had the song stuck in their own head since the night before, but hearing a complete stranger singing it was quite a surprise. We don't know where the builder had heard it, or whether it was simply a happy coincidence. But it made us smile. Perhaps that's the power of a great song: it gets into your head, stays with you, and before long you're singing it wherever you happen to be! We hope ‘Give Me Joy’ becomes a song that we can enjoy singing together, across generations. Whether you remember the original from your childhood or are discovering it for the first time, its message is simple and wonderful: the joy we have in Jesus is something worth celebrating. Haven't heard it yet? Give it a listen! You can find Elle Limebear's ‘Give Me Joy’ here: Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Music Watch on YouTube Or, if you have an Alexa at home, simply say: "Alexa, play Give Me Joy by Elle Limebear." Why not give it a play on your way to work, while making a cup of coffee or around the house? You never know, it might just get stuck in your head too! We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

In a culture that often promises quick fixes and hassle-free living, long-term illness and chronic pain present a deep and uncomfortable challenge. The world often tells us that if we are suffering, life has somehow gone wrong—or that God must be distant. Even within the church, it can be tempting to put on a fake smile and pretend that everything is fine. As we continued our sermon series, "In the Darkness We Were Waiting," we stepped directly into this space. We discovered that Scripture never asks us to sanitize our pain or pretend the dark isn't dark. Instead, it reveals a profound truth: the light of Christ shines brightest when life feels most fragile. Lessons from the Dark: Psalm 88 & 2 Corinthians 12 Through the lens of Psalm 88 and Paul’s testimony in 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, alongside the deeply moving testimony of our former Churchwarden Ron and Church Warden Linda, we explored three vital lessons about walking through long-term illness: 1. Crying "Where Are You, God?" Is an Act of Deep Faith In Psalm 88:1–2, 13–14, the psalmist cries out day and night in total honesty: "O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you... O Lord, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you hide your face from me?" Bringing our raw, unresolved confusion to God is not the absence of faith; it is an act of persistent, relational trust.Asking "Where are you, God?" keeps our hearts anchored to Him, refusing to walk away even when He feels silent. 2. Suffering and Blessing Sit Side by Side When Paul pleaded for his "thorn in the flesh" to be removed, Jesus didn't grant an instant miracle. Instead, He offered a deeper promise in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." As Ron so beautifully shared, "Suffering and blessing can exist side by side." Grace does not always remove physical limitations, but Christ enters our weakness, proving that His presence and joy can sit right alongside our daily struggles. 3. From Independence to "What Next, God?" In 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, Paul learns to boast in his limitations so that Christ's power may rest upon him. When bodily strength and self-sufficiency fade, room is made for a deeper spiritual hunger. As Ron reflected: "Now I am learning to accept unfulfilled ambitions and ask simply: 'What next, God?'" How We Respond as Emmanuel Plymouth As a church family committed to being A Light for the City, this message calls us to act: We Refuse to Look Away (Trauma-Informed Community – Priority 7): Being a Humble church means we step toward people carrying long-term illness or disability, refusing to look away out of awkwardness or offer cheap clichés. We choose to sit with people in unresolved pain, quick to listen and patient. We Support the Carers (Pastoral Care – Priority 2): Long-term illness impacts the whole household. We honor and support caregivers (like Linda), committing to bear one another’s burdens through practical help,meals, and prayer. We Honor the Ministry of Weakness (Growing Disciples – Priority 1): We recognize that Christ’s power is perfected in weakness. Those living with chronic conditions model profound reliance on the Holy Spirit,demonstrating to our whole church what true discipleship looks like. Watch & Reflect If you were unable to join us on Sunday, or if you would like to revisit the message and Ron and Linda's moving testimony, you can watch below:  Listen to the Full Sermon on YouTube “Even when we cannot see the way ahead, the light of Christ still shines. We do not simply wait for the darkness to end. We meet God in the darkness.”

living hope easter at Emmanuel The Well Prayer Room During Holy Week, we will have a Prayer Room Open with various stations around the room. The Well will be open between 11.00am and 1.00pm from Monday 30th March to Friday 3rd April, without the need to book in advance. Maundy Thursday Communion Service 2nd April | 7:00pm | Emmanuel Church A quiet, reflective service as we remember Jesus’ final evening with his disciples. We will have a time of Holy Communion and optional foot washing. Worship at the Well 2nd April | 8:00pm - 10:00pm | The Oval Room Join us for a time of worship, prayer and space to draw near to God during holy week. Good Friday All Age Gathering 3rd April | 10:30am | Emmanuel Church Join us as we come together to remember Good Friday and the amazing love shown through the cross. Good Friday Reflective Gathering 3rd April | 6:30pm | Emmanuel Church Join us as we gather to remember Good Friday in a reflective way we will have time for stillness, reflection, and prayer as we enter into the story of Good Friday together. Easter Sunrise Service 5th April | 6:45am | Location Below As the sun rises, we will meet together for a short time in scripture, and prayer. After the service, we will gather enjoy hot cross buns together. Location: What3Words – Sprinkler.Advantage.Grace Easter Sunday All Age Celebration 5th April | 10:30am | Emmanuel Church Join us as we gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. It will be an all-age service filled with joy, worship, and baptisms as we gather to celebrate new life and the heart of the Easter story. where are we

PRAY Prayer is woven into the heart of everything we are and do, whether in our Sunday gatherings, community initiatives or plans for the future. At Emmanuel Church, we’re committed to seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in all things. Sunday Prayer Ministry At each of our Sunday services, we offer a dedicated prayer ministry. Our trained prayer team is happy to pray with or for you, whatever you feel led to bring to God. After the service, you’re invited to speak with someone from the team if you'd like prayer ministry. PRAYER REQUEST We believe in the work of the Holy Spirit, who intercedes on our behalf in bringing prayer to God. We would be happy to pray for you or for someone else on your behalf. Request Prayer Just Getting Started? If prayer feels unfamiliar or intimidating, you’re not alone. We’d love to help. Chat with us after a service, or check out some of the resources below to help you. Learn to pray Church of England 7 day prayer guide Try Praying Start to Pray 247 Prayer APPS Helpful apps to support praying Lectio 365 Prayer Mate Bible

SAFEGUARDING Your safety matters to us. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away. If you are worried about a child, young person or vulnerable adult, or about the behaviour of someone involved in church activities, please speak to someone. You do not need proof to raise a concern. You can contact: Parish Safeguarding Representative: Carol Springett Diocesan Safeguarding Team by clicking here NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 Childline (for young people): 0800 1111 If you would prefer to speak to someone outside the church, you can call Plymouth City Council’s safeguarding services on 01752 668000 . You can also call 101 for police in non-emergency situations. National helplines: NSPCC – 0808 800 5000 Childline – 0800 1111 Stop it Now – 0808 1000 900 NAPAC – 0808 801 0331 Samaritans – 116 123 Family Lives – 0808 800 2222 National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247 Action on Elder Abuse – 0808 808 8141 Report a concern Emmanuel Plymouth Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement Statement of Safeguarding Principles The Emmanuel, Plymouth Parochial Church Council fully recognises and accepts the House of Bishops' Safeguarding Policy Statement "Promoting a Safer Church 2017", and commits to complying with the current Church of England and Diocesan safeguarding policies and practice guidance. In so doing we will comply with the secular multi-agency safeguarding procedures relating to children and young people and adults experiencing or at risk of harm, abuse or neglect. We are committed to: Promoting a safer environment and culture within our Parish and in our Parish activities by adhering to safe working practices and acknowledge the principle that safeguarding is everyone's business. In addition we will ensure that any individual organisation renting/using our premises for activities involving children, young people or vulnerable adults is aware of this, our Safeguarding Policy, and aware of their own individual responsibilities to have appropriate safeguarding policies and processes in place, including safer recruitment. Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibilities related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the Church in accordance with the House of Bishops' Safer Recruitment: Practice Guidance 2016. We will ensure those appointed are aware of the Diocesan and Parish Safeguarding Policies and are aware of their roles and responsibilities. We will support them by ensuring they receive Diocesan safeguarding training commensurate with their role and that they are fully aware of and have access to the practice guidance. Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation in accordance with the statutory child and adult safeguarding procedures and the House of Bishops' safeguarding practice guidance. We will ensure that any complaint made regarding a vulnerable person, who may have been harmed or is in significant danger, will be reported immediately and we will fully cooperate with statutory agencies during any investigation into allegations concerning a member of the church community or any other person. Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons. We will seek to offer informed pastoral care and support to anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry that recognises the importance of understanding the needs of those who have been abused, including their feelings of alienation and/or isolation and provide them with details of local and national support agencies. Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons. We will work with others to ensure the appropriate support for them and those affected. Where that person is considered to pose a risk to others, we will work with the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor to mitigate any identified risk. Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others. We will endeavour to offer pastoral care and support whilst ensuring any risk has been assessed and is being managed in accordance with House of Bishops' policy and guidance and in collaboration with the statutory agencies and the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor. Safeguarding representative We will ensure that there is an identified person to be the Parish Safeguarding Representative who will be suitably recruited and trained, and is aware of their role and responsibilities, and who will be the point of contact for any concerns. We have appointed Carol Springett as our Parish Safeguarding Representative. Guidance Copies of Diocesan and parish guidelines and procedures are held by Mrs Carol Springett. Review This policy will be formally reviewed annually and a copy shared with the Archdeacon at the time of the Visitation. Date of Adoption The PCC of this Church agreed and adopted the above Policy at its meeting on 15 May 2025. The PCC shall review this policy annually. The next review will take place at the first PCC meeting following the APCM to be held May 2026.