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Right now, our Churchwarden Pam and our Children and Youth Lead Holly are in Kenya as part of Emmanuel’s growing global friendships. Why Kenya? Over the past year, we have developed a connection through Bishop Tim, who lived and worked for many years in the Nairobi area. Through this relationship, Emmanuel is supporting Church Army Africa in the building of the new Emmanuel Centre at Carlile College. Carlile College is an education ministry of Church Army Africa. Its mission is to nurture leaders through Christian, values based training that equips them to serve their communities and see lives transformed. The new building will expand their capacity, enabling more students to be trained and sent out as leaders across the region. We are able to support this project because of a generous legacy left to Emmanuel specifically for overseas mission. It is a joy to see that gift used in a way that will bless many others for years to come. A Growing Church Link Alongside this building project, we have established a link with St Monica’s Church in Thika, about 25 miles north east of Nairobi. St Monica’s is a thriving, contemporary Anglican church, and we are praying that this friendship will grow into a genuine two way relationship where we learn from one another. While in Kenya, Pam and Holly are: Visiting Carlile College and seeing the early stages of the new Emmanuel Centre. Meeting students who are training for Christian leadership. Attending worship at St Monica’s and experiencing African church life. Joining a couple of home groups to see how small group discipleship happens in a different cultural setting. Many of our Emmanuel home groups have already shared pictures and short videos with St Monica’s. They know something about us, and now Pam and Holly are seeing first hand how their groups gather, pray and grow in faith. A Heart for the Next Generation As our Children and Youth Lead, Holly is particularly interested in their Youth Development and Child and Family Support programmes. She is observing both the similarities and differences in how churches serve children and families in different cultural contexts. Her hope is to help build a lasting bridge between our two communities, with a special focus on encouraging and discipling the next generation. We long to see children in Plymouth and children in Kenya praying for one another and discovering together what it means to follow Jesus. Holly is also spending time learning about the Women’s Empowerment Programme connected to the work there. She believes deeply in the power of creativity and meaningful work to bring healing and dignity to those who are often overlooked, and is eager to see how these initiatives are helping women flourish. Please Pray As they continue their time in Kenya, please pray: For strength, good health and protection. For Jesus inspired conversations and friendships that are natural and fruitful. For open hearts as they listen, observe and learn. For fresh vision and renewed energy for youth and children’s ministry back in Plymouth. For the children and young people in both communities to grow in faith and curiosity about one another. We are part of a global family in Christ. As Pam and Holly represent us in Kenya, may this partnership deepen our discipleship, widen our compassion, and remind us that God’s Kingdom stretches far beyond our own city.

A Lenten Journey Toward Transformation The West is often described as a "cut flower" —strikingly beautiful, yet disconnected from the soil that gave it life. As author Ayaan Hirsi Ali famously observed at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC)  conference, we are currently enjoying the bloom of Western civilization while the stem withers, severed from the Christian heritage that once anchored our values, our ethics, and our sense of purpose. Hirsi Ali, who recently shared her own journey to Christian faith, notes that while the flower remains beautiful for a time in the vase, it is ultimately fading. However, she offers a hopeful challenge: we still possess the "seed packets"  of our heritage. By returning to these "seeds"—the core spiritual disciplines—the West can be "replanted" and renewed. Dispatches from the Living Soil This Lent, we aren't just looking inward; we are looking to our global family. Two members of our team are currently traveling to Kenya to visit our partnership church in Thika  and a Church Army  project in Nairobi. Equipped with cameras and a mission to listen, they are capturing authentic "field reports" from our brothers and sisters in Africa. We will hear their perspectives on how these ancient disciplines are lived out with a vibrancy and depth that can show us the way back to spiritual vitality. Our Lenten Path: Starting this March, join us as we explore the "Seed Packets" of our faith: ●     Fasting and Prayer:  Moving beyond comfort to find our source in God. ●     Social Sin and Confession:  Facing the shadows of slavery and injustice to seek healing. ●     Service:  Honouring the life-giving labour of serving others. ●     Encouragement:  Choosing Christian joy over cultural cynicism. ●     Simplicity:  Learning to live with less so that we can give more. ●     Hospitality:  Discovering how God makes room for us and how we do the same for others. ●     Pilgrimage: Navigating our home in the cultural divide of the "The Somewheres" and "The Anywheres"

Have you thought about a Carbon Fast for Lent? Eco Tip for February As we continue to explore Emmanuel being an Eco Church, here is a green  action suggestion for February. This Lent, take part in Climate Steward’s Carbon Fast. Lent is a time when Christians traditionally fast and focus on God. The Carbon Fast will help you consider ways to live more simply, give you new ideas to cut your carbon footprint and invite you to focus on God and consider the whole of his creation. Beginning on 18th Feb, you’ll receive a weekly email containing key facts, suggestions for how you could reduce your carbon footprint and a prayer to lead you through this Lenten season. Each week features a different theme designed to help us take climate action in manageable ways that bear witness to a God who has promised to restore all of his creation. Find out more and sign up at climatestewards.org/resources/carbon-fast-for- lent/ For more eco-tips, sign up to A Rocha UK’s Wild Christian email:  arocha.org.uk/wild-christian

It was so good to see so many of you on Sunday. As we look at the big shifts ahead for Emmanuel, I am increasingly convinced that we cannot rely on strategic planning alone. We need a spiritual breakthrough. As I mentioned in the service, there are some challenges—spiritual and operational—that are only "broken" by prayer and fasting. Jesus himself pointed to this after his disciples struggled with a particularly difficult situation, reminding them that certain breakthroughs require this deeper level of sacrifice. Drawing on some wonderful wisdom from the team at 24-7 Prayer , I wanted to share why we are inviting you into this practice. Why Fast? Fasting is not about "earning" something from God or trying to twist His arm. It is about feasting on Him . By voluntarily letting go of something we usually rely on (like food), we create a physical space that reminds us of our total dependence on the Lord. It intensifies our focus:  Every time we feel a hunger pang, it serves as a "prayer prompt" to turn our hearts back to the needs of our church and our city. It humbles our souls:  Fasting is a "divine corrective" to human pride. It helps us admit that we don't have all the answers and that we need the Holy Spirit to move. It clears the way for breakthrough:  Throughout the Bible, we see God’s people fast when they face a crossroad or a "stuck" situation. It often helps bring the clarity and intervention that normal prayer hasn't yet reached. What could you fast from?  While fasting traditionally involves food, it doesn't have to. You might choose to skip one meal a day, or fast from sunrise to sunset. If health reasons make a food fast unwise, you might consider a "digital fast" from social media or television, using that reclaimed time to sit with the Lord. What are we praying for? For the Lord to provide the right person for our Youth Leader role. For wisdom as we seek to build a safe and professional operational foundation. For our whole church to be "Hungry, Humble, Holy and Hopeful" as we discern our future giving and leadership. A quick note on health:  Please do be wise. If you have any underlying medical conditions, are pregnant, or have a history of disordered eating, please do not undertake a food fast. The Lord looks at the heart, and a fast from media or even an extra hour of dedicated prayer is just as precious to Him. As Andrew Murray once said, "Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen."   Let’s let go of the seen together this week, and reach out for the breakthrough God has for Emmanuel.

Grief changes us. Whether a loss is recent or many years ago, the death of someone important can leave questions, pain and emotions that feel hard to name, let alone share. After Easter, Emmanuel will be running The Bereavement Journey, a nationally recognised programme that offers a gentle, thoughtful space to explore loss, grief and the impact bereavement has on our lives. Through a series of short films, honest stories and guided group conversations, participants are supported to reflect on their own journey of grief, understand what they are experiencing and consider what healthy next steps might look like for them. You do not need to have everything figured out. You just need to come as you are. The course runs over six weekly sessions, with an optional seventh session that explores spiritual questions around loss and hope from a Christian perspective. This final session is entirely optional and the programme as a whole is suitable for people of any faith or none. When : Tuesdays, 2.00 pm – 3.45 pm Dates: 21st April to 9th June (excluding half term week, 26th May) Who: Anyone aged 18+ who has experienced the death of someone important, at any time. Where: Emmanuel Church If you would like to register your interest, please do so via the Church App and we will be in touch. Those not connected with Emmanuel can register interest through the church website . You are also very welcome to speak to Kathryn McGuinness or Tim Lyddon if you would like to know more before signing up. If you know someone who may benefit from this, please do pass this on. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is simply a safe place to grieve, together. As Christians, we believe Jesus meets us in our pain and walks with us through the valley. This course is one small way we seek to offer that compassion, care and hope to our city.

“Pray without ceasing. In everything gives thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18. Almost two years ago when we were looking for a church to join in Plymouth I had the fortune to sign up for a walk on Dartmoor with Peter Terrell. In our discussion I mentioned the importance of finding a church where prayer was important. Peter replied: “then you should join us on Friday morning for our Early Birds prayers.” I did, and have been part of this small group of praying people ever since. Each Friday at 8 a.m. we meet together on Zoom to pray, and the prayers are fervent and flowing. It is often hard to get a turn to pray. Our prayers are to support the staff, the church family and the work and mission of Emmanuel, but also they often take us around the world as concerns of the participants arise. The weekly Friday meeting and the monthly Wednesday prayer meetings are the power house of Emmanuel. I encourage  more of you to join us on Friday mornings for this important part of our mission together in Christ  Jesus.                                                                                                                                             Iain Prance To join Early Birds on Zoom the code is 885 9229 4221 with the password Godwithus or   https://tinyurl.com/ypjpfut5 .

It really was a great time away in beautiful surroundings, with more quality time to really focus on the Lord and what He wanted to say to us.   Lee Abbey is such a special place and has been used for over 70 years in the Lord’s service to bless many people.  The Community that lives and works there are an amazing group, who looked after us and fed us so well!  But also ministered to us in worship leading, pastoral input and just each of them wanting to be used by the Lord to bless us!   James and Liz Grier were just outstanding as they opened up and ministered  the Word to us- an amazing double-act and so hilarious!  The title of “ Perfectly Imperfect” looked at the life of Moses and actually how he had many flaws and was quite ordinary but did extraordinary things with God.   For me, it was as if in every session God really was speaking and challenging me about how all the past disappointments and failures in my life had after all this time made me hold back on a closer walk with God, in case I’d get “burnt” again.  I felt the Lord really challenging me to allow Him to heal, refresh and strengthen me so that I could “get back on the horse” in my walk and service to Him.   There were so many things we felt the Lord was saying to us: That he wants to mobilize every age-group in the Church- most of us were in the older group.  He still has a lot of purpose for us- Moses was 80 when he STARTED his ministry!  The Lord wants to increase the younger age groups and see them coming into ministry and see those who don’t yet know Him to come to faith and in time to serve too.  We felt from the Lord the key to this was ALL of us, whatever age working together not disparately to accomplish His plans and for His Glory. We were challenged regarding provision to fulfil the vision the Lord has given us, with all the financial and man-power issues we face.  But through PRAYER the Lord WILL PROVIDE. It is a very exciting time for us as a Church, a new Season with new vision and we’re all invited in on this journey. The time of worship and waiting on the Lord was also very significant- it seemed we moved in further to the Lord by His Spirit, led wonderfully and sensitively by Stephen from the Community. In case you missed it...

A Rocha, the charity who run eco church, have a calendar of monthly eco activities to help us appreciate the beauty and diversity of creation, think about how we can reduce our impact, and how we can improve our local environment For January, you are invited to take part in the RSPB  Big Garden Bird Watch. The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch (Friday 23-Sunday 25 January) is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey! Last year, nearly 600,000 people took part and over nine million birds were counted. We’ve lost a staggering 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years. With birds facing so many challenges, it’s more important than ever to get involved in the Birdwatch. To take part, spend one hour counting the birds you see in one location – your garden, balcony or a local park. Submit your findings to the RSPB. You can download a free guide and ID chart to help you identify the birds you spot on the RSPB website. Find out more at: rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch (And don’t worry if you are on the Church weekend away, you could take part from Lee Abbey!) Watch for more tips in the Lampost or for more eco-tips, sign up to A Rocha UK’s Wild Christian email:   arocha.org.uk/wild-christian   To find out more about the eco church process visit     https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/   The eco church website also offers a wide range of resources   https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/resources/

It is an incredibly exciting time to be part of Emmanuel. We are seeing God move in wonderful ways, with our worshipping community growing to over 200 people and our home groups now supporting 120 members. However, being "a light to the city" in 2025 brings with it a new set of healthy pressures. As we grow, we have reached a strategic "inflection point" where our current resources are stretched to their limit. The Reality of Our Growth  For nearly three years, we have been operating without an Associate Rector, which has meant considerable stretch on the team. While we have seen amazing momentum, our current "paid staff" capacity equates to roughly only one full-time role to support our entire community. To keep our church safe, vibrant, and outward-looking, we need to move from a season of "endurance" to one of "investment". The Financial Challenge  Transparency is one of our values, and we want our community to understand the landscape we are navigating:   Emmanuel St Andrews St M’s + StS’s Emmanuel & St Pauls Notes.   2024 Participation number 146 264 140 182 140 seems low for St Matts given other data 2024 giving, incl gift aid, excl legacies 175,000 335,000 240,000 198,000 St Paul's Giving is £23k.  2024 giving per participant 1,200 1,300 1,700 1,100 Common Fund request for 2026 97,000 151,000 83,000 121,000 Common Fund request for 2025 93,000 144,000 83,000 114,000 CF request 2024 93,000 145,000 78,000 114,000. CF payment 2024 93,000 145,000 57,000 114,000 According to accounts on the charity commission website.  Paid clergy 1 2 2 1 Not counting Tony at Emmanuel and St Pauls Paid Staff approx. FTE 1 6 4 1   2024 wages paid 26,000 145,000 127,000 26,000 At Emm, a Youth Worker would add about £34,000 2024 total income  259,000 453,000 284,000 314,000 For Emm 20K is special gift to pay for youthworker. St Pauls gets about 22k a year to run Soup Run and Food Bank.  Ratio of wages to income 23% 32% 45% 19% Emm percentage includes a FT Youth Worker currently in vacancy. Although the role is coming out of reserves. The Common Fund:  Emmanuel and St Paul’s contribute significantly to the wider Diocese—approximately £114,000 annually—to support mission across the region. Staffing Ratios:  Currently, only about 19% to 23% of our income goes toward the staff who run our ministries, which is much lower than many comparable churches. Operational Needs:  The world has changed. Modern requirements for safeguarding, data protection, and complex charity legislation mean we can no longer rely solely on the volunteer models of the past. Where We Are Heading  We aren't looking for quick fixes; we are looking to build a foundation that lasts. This means creating dedicated capacity for our work with children and young people, strengthening our worship, and professionalizing our operations to reduce risk and protect our mission. How You Can Join Us in This Season This is an invitation for all of us to seek God’s heart for Emmanuel together. As we step into this new chapter, I am asking our church family and friends to join me in three specific ways: 1. Pray for Guidance and Provision  Please join us in asking for God’s wisdom as we navigate these strategic decisions. We are specifically praying for His provision for our Youth Leader role. We have seen such life in our younger generations, and we want to ensure they have the dedicated leadership they need to flourish. 2. Discern the Call to Lead  As we grow, the "Acts 6" moment reminds us that God often uses seasons of change to call new people into leadership. I ask that you prayerfully consider if God is nudging you to step up into a new area of service or leadership in this next season. We want to be a church where every gift is recognized and released. 3. Review Our Giving  To make this vision a reality, we need to ensure our resources align with our mission. I am asking everyone who calls Emmanuel home to prayerfully review their giving. Our goal is to create a sustainable foundation that allows us to employ an Operations Manager to stabilize our systems, sustain our vital Youth Ministry, and eventually explore the possibility of a Worship Pastor to lead us into the future. This is not about meeting a budget; it is about enabling a mission. It is about ensuring that Emmanuel remains a healthy, safe, and vibrant "light to the city" for generations to come. Thank you for standing with us as we step into this next chapter. Peter Shaw   Team Rector

Do you remember the first time you stepped into a church? It might have been a long time ago or only last week, but that feeling is memorable. What should I do? Where do I sit - not in someone else’s seat! Who will I talk to? So why are churches such intimidating places? Once over the threshold, how can we help people begin to feel the love of Jesus and the warmth of his people? As a Church Warden here at Emmanuel, I’ve watched people arrive, looking anxious and a bit lost, until someone engages them with an open smile and a heartfelt greeting. It is the very first way we show the city of Plymouth the heart of Jesus. Our Rector, Peter, often reminds us of our vision to be "a light to the city," and I truly believe that light shines brightest when we make space for someone new. Creating a Safe Harbour When we greet someone with openness and a genuine smile, we are saying that they matter, they are welcome. We don’t know what heavy bags they are carrying, and I don’t mean their shopping! Our greeting is perhaps the first step in lightening their load: showing kindness, compassion and a safe environment. Welcoming someone is about being Humble enough to put our own priorities aside, focusing on other’s needs and being Hopeful that we can make a difference, however small, to that person. After all, Jesus showed us time and again, how to put people at ease and to make them feel valued: we are trying to follow his example. Small Acts, Big Impact You don’t need to be an expert in the Bible or a professional public speaker to be part of this ministry. Some of the most profound moments of grace happen over a quick chat and a hot cup of coffee. We want every person who visits St Paul’s, St Mary’s, or Emmanuel to feel that they aren't just a number in a seat, but a guest in a home. Whether it's helping a flustered parent find the toys or simply sitting with someone who looks a bit lonely, these small acts of service reflect the holiness and love of the God we serve. Join Our Team! I am currently looking for a few more friendly faces to join our Welcome Team. If you have a heart for people and a desire to see our church grow as a warm, inviting community, I would love to hear from you. Being on the team is a wonderful way to get to know the family better and to play a vital part in our mission to be a "light to the city." You don't need any special experience, just a willing heart and a love for our community. Please do come and find me (Pam Edwards) after the service for a chat, or get in touch via the church office . I’d love to tell you more about how you can get involved.

In our The God Who Sees  series we have been encountering God in some of the most human and vulnerable places in the Bible. Two weeks ago we watched Hagar in the wilderness, alone and afraid, meet the Angel of the Lord who sees her. Last week before we stood with Moses at the burning bush and saw that same divine presence that does not simply speak for God but is  God to Moses. In both scenes, God shows himself to those who are afraid, confused or uncertain about their purpose. He is not distant. He sees. He knows. He calls. These appearances invite us to think about the strange and beautiful language of the Bible where God’s presence shows up in a figure called the Angel of the Lord. This character is not just a messenger. In Scripture he speaks as God, calls people into relationship with the God who sees them and sends them into mission. These moments point to the richer biblical picture of a divine reality that is dynamic and relational, not far off or disconnected from life’s struggles. If this language feels unfamiliar, you are not alone. A great place to explore this further is the BibleProject video on the Angel of the Lord and the wider divine council . It brings clarity to how the Bible portrays God’s engagement with both heaven and earth, and how that points forward to Jesus. You can watch it here: https://bibleproject.com/videos/angel-lord/ We are building on this theme in The God Who Sees  series. You can find more teaching, and audio from the whole series here: https://www.emmanuelplymouth.co.uk/sermon-series-the-god-who-sees As we reflect on Hagar’s fear and Moses’ wonder, we discover a God who does not hide himself from his people. He sees us in our wilderness, speaks into our confusion and invites us into his purpose. Ultimately, this points us to Jesus, the full revelation of God who sees us and walks with us and calls us to join him in his mission.

and the Christmas Story continues... Thank you to everyone who helped make Christmas at Emmanuel Church possible. To those who served tea, mulled wine, and mince pies, to carol singers, welcomers, and everyone who gave time, energy, and creativity—you made it all happen. Because of you, thousands were able to gather, sing, reflect, and celebrate the good news of Jesus’ birth. Your service and generosity brought warmth, joy, and welcome to so many across the city. Together we shared classic carol services, quiet candlelit moments for reflection, joyful family celebrations (450 people at our Christmas Eve service!), and the stillness of Midnight Communion. We sang carols, heard the story of Christ told afresh, and created space for joy, hope, and stillness. Beyond the services, Christmas spilled into the community with carols in care homes, creative spaces for children, shared meals, and school visits that filled the church with song and excitement. Our theme this year was  Presence, more than stuff . And while the decorations are packed away and the services have ended, Christmas does not stop. The celebration may pause, but the opportunity does not. God’s presence is not limited to a season or a service—it continues in ordinary days, in our neighbourhoods, and in our lives. As we move into the new year, the invitation remains: to live with God’s presence at the centre, to bring His love to those around us, to offer welcome, kindness, and hope wherever we can. Christmas is a reminder that God is with us, not just for a moment, but for every day. The songs we sang, the lights we enjoyed, and the joy we shared all point to something far bigger: a God who comes close, who sees, who heals, and who invites us into His story. If you joined us this Christmas, whether once or many times, know that you are always welcome. Emmanuel means “God with us,” and His presence continues—here, with you, and in our city.