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Christmas Table – Volunteer Roles This Christmas Day, we’re opening our doors for Christmas Table  — a festive meal for anyone who would otherwise be alone or in need of community. It’s a chance to share food, friendship, and the love of Jesus together after our 10:30am Holy Communion service. We’ll serve a starter at 12:30pm, followed by dinner and pudding in the church hall. To make it happen, we’re gathering a joyful team of volunteers to serve, cook, decorate, and clear up. Led by the Wardens and Rector, this will be a team effort full of laughter, service, and gratitude. Set-Up Team (Christmas Eve) Help us prepare the space for our guests on Christmas Eve! This team will set tables, decorate the hall, prepare place settings, and make sure everything is ready for a warm welcome on Christmas Day. Great for those who love to create a festive atmosphere and can spare a few hours on Christmas Eve. Kitchen Team (Christmas Day)   Join the heart of the operation! The kitchen team will help cook, plate up, and serve our Christmas meal — from starters at 12:30 to pudding. You’ll work closely with the wardens, Pam and Linda to make sure every guest is well fed and feels loved. A great role if you’re happy in the bustle of the kitchen and serving others with joy. Washing Up & Pack-Down Team (Christmas Day Afternoon) Once the feast is over, this team helps with the practical blessing of washing up, tidying, and resetting the space. It’s a behind-the-scenes act of service that keeps the day running smoothly and helps everyone head home with full hearts and a clean hall. Perfect for those who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and quietly making a big difference.

Come and be part of something special at Little Sparks  – our brand-new toddler group at Emmanuel! We’re looking for volunteers with a heart for children and families to help us create a safe, welcoming and fun space for little ones and their carers. By joining the team you won’t just be making the teas or setting out toys (though that matters too!) – you’ll be part of building relationships, offering kindness, and making parents and carers feel they belong. It’s a chance to share the love of Jesus in simple but powerful ways. What might you get out of helping?  Plenty of joy from little smiles and laughter. Encouragement from seeing families supported. New friendships with others on the team. And the deep satisfaction of knowing you’re planting seeds of faith and love that can grow into something lasting. Whether you’re a natural with toddlers, love chatting with adults, or just want to serve practically, we’d love to have you involved. Could you give a couple of hours on a weekday morning to help our youngest generation shine? Come and spark something wonderful with us. To find out more, click here  for the job description.

This year has not been short on examples of failure. Angela Rayner lost her job after the stamp duty fallout. Kier Starmer dismissed Peter Mandelson over his ties to Epstein. Leaders stumble, excuses fly, and the headlines move on. The pattern is familiar: something goes wrong, the instinct to protect reputation kicks in, and blame is quickly shifted elsewhere. But if we’re honest, it’s not just politicians. It’s us. In our own lives—at work, in families, in church—failure comes knocking. Mistakes are made, words are spoken too quickly, things slip through the cracks. And more often than not, our first reaction is the same: hide, defend, explain away. It feels safer than honesty. Yet the truth is, failure is part of being human. And what matters is not that it happens, but how we respond when it does. The First Response When mistakes surface, our natural instinct is rarely the healthiest one. We excuse ourselves, point fingers, or retreat. It’s uncomfortable to admit weakness. But in those very moments, an opportunity lies hidden. Instead of scrambling to protect our pride, what if we learned to pause, reflect, and grow? At Emmanuel, we’ve been exploring a different pattern. A way of responding that doesn’t ignore mistakes, but turns them into building blocks: Give Thanks – not for the failure itself, but for God’s presence with us even in it. Gratitude re-centres our perspective. Ask for Guidance – slowing down long enough to invite God to show us what really happened and what could be different next time. Reflect on Feelings – honestly naming the frustration, disappointment, or shame rather than burying it. Seek Forgiveness & Give Thanks – owning our part, making amends if needed, and receiving grace afresh. Look Forward – choosing not to stay stuck in regret, but stepping out with new hope and clarity. Not Just Triumphs In life, it’s easy to share our triumphs. The new job, the exam result, the project that worked. But real strength is found when we also share our failures—with trusted friends, with church family, with God. Accountability is uncomfortable, but it’s also liberating. To say, “This is where I went wrong, and this is what I’m learning,” is to let failure shape us rather than shame us. A Community That Learns Together What would it look like for Emmanuel to be a church where failure isn’t final? A place where it’s safe to admit mistakes without fear of being written off. A place where people ask each other not just, “What’s going well?” but also, “What didn’t go as planned, and what might God be teaching you through it?” Because the truth is, failure will always be part of our story. But in God’s hands, it’s never wasted. It becomes formation. It grows humility. It builds resilience. And most of all, it draws us closer to the One whose strength is made perfect in our weakness. As we look ahead, our challenge is not to pretend perfection, but to walk in honesty. To give thanks, seek guidance, reflect, forgive, and move forward. To carry one another not just through the wins, but through the losses too. And to remember: the real mistake isn’t failing. The real mistake is refusing to learn.

Can you recall what you were doing on September 11th, 2001, at about 1.45pm? Each year, as the calendar turns to September 11th, hearts across the world recall the horrific scenes of that day when acts of terror claimed the lives of thousands and scarred countless others. For Christians, the anniversary of 9/11 is not only a day of remembrance, but also an invitation to reflect upon how faith in Christ shapes our response to tragedy, loss, and the ongoing realities of violence in the world.   Scripture consistently calls God’s people to remember. Israel was instructed to set aside memorials so that future generations would not forget either God’s deliverance or human suffering. To remember the events of 9/11 is to honour those whose lives were cut short, to hold in prayer the families who still grieve, and to stand alongside survivors who continue to carry wounds both visible and hidden. Christian remembrance is never cold recollection; it is rooted in compassion, a willingness to share in another’s burden. The anniversary inevitably raises questions of justice, anger, and the desire for retribution. Many struggled—and still struggle—with Jesus’ command to forgive “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22) . Forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing or diminish evil, but it does prevent hatred from taking root in the heart. As Christians, we are called to seek the difficult path of forgiving those who harm us, entrusting ultimate judgment to God. This calling remains deeply countercultural in the face of terror, yet it is the path Christ himself walked on the cross. Remembering 9/11 also compels Christians to renew their commitment to peacemaking. The Beatitudes remind us: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9) . On this anniversary, believers should ask: how can we contribute to reconciliation in our families, communities, and world? How can we ensure that cycles of hatred and division are broken rather than perpetuated? Christian remembrance is never passive; it should stir us into active pursuit of peace.   Most importantly, the anniversary must be viewed in the light of resurrection hope. Terror seeks to instil fear and despair, but Christ’s triumph over death declares that evil will not have the final word. As Christians, we do not remember 9/11 as those without hope. We entrust the dead to God’s mercy, we trust in Christ’s promise of eternal life, and we live in the assurance that one day, God will wipe every tear from every eye (Revelation 21:4) . For Christians, the anniversary of 9/11 is not merely about recalling a past event. It is a sacred opportunity: to weep with those who weep, to practise forgiveness, to recommit ourselves to the work of peace, and to affirm the hope that is ours in Christ. In this way, remembrance becomes more than memory—it becomes an act of faith, hope, and love that points to God’s redemptive purposes even amid the darkest hours of human history.

For many people, the word trauma  conjures up images of obvious wounds: a soldier returning from war, a survivor of a devastating accident, or someone who has endured public tragedy. But not all scars are visible, and not all traumas are spoken aloud. Across our communities, countless individuals carry private burdens that remain unseen, unheard, and often misunderstood. Personal trauma does not always announce itself. It can reside quietly within a person for years, shaping the way they think, feel, and relate to others. Childhood neglect, the sudden loss of a loved one, the pain of a broken relationship, or even the accumulated weight of small, repeated humiliations—all can leave deep marks. Yet because they are not easily explained, or perhaps not deemed “serious enough” by others, these experiences are often hidden. Experts suggest that the silence surrounding trauma is one of the most damaging aspects of recovery. “People frequently minimise their pain because they fear being judged or dismissed,” explains Dr. Aisha Clarke, a clinical psychologist. “This silence isolates them further and makes healing much harder.” In everyday life, we may encounter friends, neighbours, or colleagues who appear composed, cheerful, or successful, but who are quietly wrestling with memories or feelings that never fully leave them. Their struggles may emerge only in fleeting ways—difficulty sleeping, irritability, or avoiding certain situations. Because such signs are subtle, they often go unnoticed. The hidden nature of trauma also has wider social implications. Unaddressed, it can affect relationships, workplace productivity, and community life. A society that overlooks personal pain risks perpetuating cycles of misunderstanding and loneliness. Encouragingly, conversations about mental health are becoming more open. Campaigns in schools, workplaces, and churches are helping to dismantle stigma. But real change begins with listening—not only to those who feel able to share their stories, but also to the silences that suggest something unspoken. Trauma may be hidden, but its effects are real. By fostering compassion and gentleness in our daily interactions, we can create spaces where people feel safe to bring what is hidden into the light. After all, the burdens we cannot see are often the heaviest. If some of this resonates with you, please reach out. We are here to listen.

Immigration has become one of the most pressing and divisive issues of our time. Across communities, people feel deep anxiety about change: shifting demographics, evolving cultures, and the sense that the world they once knew is slipping away. As someone who grew up in a historically white, working-class community, I understand those tensions. My great-grandfather worked in a wallpaper factory on a local estate; my grandmother and mother both made their homes there too. This place became my childhood world. At one point, my estate was the most densely populated area for Polish people outside of Warsaw. Even our family dog was bilingual, trained to sit, stay and lie down in both English and Polish after too many adventures in the neighbours’ gardens. Later, in primary school, I remember clashing with a Somali refugee classmate, she stole my peanut butter sandwich and I lashed out. Looking back, I realise those childhood moments reflect the larger struggles of adjusting to change, of learning how to live together when different cultures collide. The Cross of Saint George or the Cross of Christ? In recent years, I’ve noticed a growing trend in response to immigration anxieties: people waving the Cross of Saint George, painting it on roundabouts and signposts as a symbol of Englishness. But as a Christian, I find this deeply challenging. The cross isn’t a political banner. The Cross of Saint George recalls his martyrdom for his faith. And ultimately, it echoes the greater cross of Jesus Christ, where he bore sin, shame and guilt so that we might have hope. The gospel calls us to more than tribal identity. It calls us to love our neighbours as ourselves, to take up our cross daily in service to others and to embody the radical hospitality of Christ. The challenge for all of us This isn’t just a word for one side of the immigration debate, it’s a challenge for everyone. For those anxious about cultural change, the cross asks: What do you have, and how can you use it to serve others?  Even if it’s just two copper coins, the question isn’t about scarcity, but about generosity. For those on the other side, the cross also challenges our entitlement. Our culture often tells us we deserve a certain standard of living, whether in housing, healthcare, or education. Yet the gospel invites us to gratitude, not entitlement. To thankfulness for what we have in Jesus, and to a posture of giving rather than demanding. A path toward unity If both sides of the immigration conversation took this to heart, something remarkable could happen. Instead of clinging to entitlement or fear, we could unite around the mindset of service, humility, and love. Immigration doesn’t have to divide us. The cross of Christ, far greater than any national symbol, can remind us that our identity is not found in what we fear losing, but in the hope we’ve been given. And from that hope, we are called to serve, to bless, and to love our neighbours, whether they’ve lived here for generations or just arrived yesterday.

For those who attended Sir Ghillean’s talk, you heard the mention of Emmanuel being part of the A Rocha Eco Church movement and how God has instructed us to be responsible stewards of our planet. I am pleased to share that behind the scenes, a lot has been accomplished. We have registered as an Eco Church, undertaken a survey, and are making good progress. However, we now need your help as we plan to apply for the Bronze Award and move on to the Silver Award. Two of the five models of Eco Church focus on engaging you, the congregation, and our community. This involves not only raising awareness of the climate crisis but also highlighting what we as a church and you as individuals can do to help. Some of these tasks are very simple, while others require more thought and effort. The other models are Worship and Teaching, Buildings and Energy and Land and Nature The support from Eco Church is fantastic, offering many helpful tips on what to do. All we need now is your help to implement these tips and complete the necessary tasks. I am looking to lead the Emmanuel Eco Church group to explain where we are, what resources are available, and what tasks you can do to help. Remember, many hands make light work. All are welcome and all will be explained. Please add the following date to your diary: Monday 15th September  at 7.30pm  in the Oval Room. Thank you. Mark Bullard

Prayer is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. It is far more than words we say at set times in church; prayer is our living connection with God, a way of keeping company with Him in the midst of everyday life. Just as we need to talk and listen to those we love in order to deepen our relationships, so too with God. Prayer is that conversation. It is not about using the “right” words, but about being open and honest before the One who knows us best. In prayer, we draw close to God, and He draws close to us. Prayer is a chance to lift our eyes from the busyness of life and remember God’s goodness. Whether we whisper a quick “thank you” for a blessing, or pause in silence to praise His greatness, prayer turns our hearts to worship. Gratitude in prayer keeps us mindful that all we have and all we are is a gift from God. Prayer shapes us. Over time, as we bring our joys and struggles to God, we find ourselves being changed. We become more patient, more forgiving, more trusting. Prayer doesn’t just influence the world around us—it softens our hearts and helps us to see with God’s eyes. One of the most loving things we can do is to pray for someone else. When we hold others before God in prayer—family, friends, our church, even strangers—we are sharing in Christ’s own ministry of intercession. Prayer is one way in which we care for others and carry their burdens. Life is not without its trials, and there are seasons when worries, grief, or loneliness weigh heavily upon us. In these moments, prayer can be a lifeline. The Bible reminds us that God’s peace, which is “beyond understanding,” will guard our hearts (Philippians 4:7) . Prayer reminds us we are never alone. Prayer does not have to be complicated or lengthy. It might be as simple as a whispered “Lord, help me” while waiting for the bus, or a few quiet minutes at the end of the day. The important thing is to keep the habit, to make prayer as natural as breathing. Prayer is not a duty we must perform, but a gift God offers us: an invitation to walk closely with Him each day. It brings comfort, strength, and joy. Above all, it keeps us rooted in the love of Christ.

One of the greatest gifts God has given us as a church family is each other . Every one of us carries a unique story of how the Lord has worked in our lives, through seasons of joy, challenge, healing and transformation. When we share those stories, we don’t just speak words; we plant seeds of hope, encouragement and faith in the lives of others. At Emmanuel we have a great community with a wide range of experiences and these experiences deserve to be shared to give hope to others. We want to celebrate the incredible ways God is moving in our community. And to do that, we need your voice. Why testimonies matter Scripture reminds us that “we will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony”  (Revelation 12:11). Our testimonies are not just personal, they are powerful tools God uses to remind others that He is faithful and near. What might feel ordinary to you could be exactly what someone else needs to hear. How you can participate We’re inviting every member of our church to share a testimony—big or small. Maybe it’s a moment when God provided in a time of need, or how you experienced His peace during uncertainty, or even how being part of this community has strengthened your walk with Him. You can: Write your story and send it in for the website Be filmed for a short video of your testimony Speak at an upcoming service or small group gathering A celebration of community As we gather these stories, we’ll be weaving together a tapestry of God’s goodness, one that reminds us all of His presence in our daily lives and His work in our church. Together, we can celebrate what He has done, what He is doing and what He will continue to do among us. So, we invite you: take a moment, reflect on your journey and share your testimony. Your story matters, because it points back to the One who is the author of them all. How to share: If you'd like to share a story please get in touch with Oli Horne on oli.horne@emmanuelplymouth.co.uk

The moment you see your results, a rush of emotions can hit all at once, relief, joy, disappointment and / or confusion. For some, it’s the fulfilment of months of hard work. For others, it’s the sting of unmet expectations. A-Level results day can leave you feeling on top of the world, questioning everything or somewhere in between. From a Christian perspective, these moments are not just about academic achievement, they’re opportunities to remember where our identity, hope and security truly lie. 1. Your results are not your worth In a culture that measures success by grades, jobs and salaries, it’s easy to believe your value depends on what you achieve. But Scripture paints a very different picture. "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb." (Psalm 139:13) God’s love for you was set before you sat a single exam. Whether your results are top marks or not, your worth is anchored in the unchanging truth that you are a child of God, made in His image.   2. God’s plans are bigger than your grades Disappointment often comes from the clash between our plans and reality. But the Bible reminds us: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) This doesn’t mean every step will be smooth. Sometimes God’s “prosperity” looks very different from what we imagined. But His plans are never derailed by an exam paper. History is full of people who didn’t get the path they expected, yet found themselves in places where God used them powerfully.   3. Uncertainty is an invitation to trust When you don’t know what comes next, whether it’s clearing, gap years or a change of direction, uncertainty can feel like a threat. But for the Christian, it’s also an invitation. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5–6) As Christians, we hold a unique posture amid uncertainty: we know who is ultimately in control. While the world demands a perfect, colour-coded plan for our lives, God invites us into something more authentic and often more fulfilling. When you can’t envision how anything good could emerge from disrupted plans, it is the stories of others, those in Scripture and around you, that will help you persevere. Let trusted friends, family and leaders speak hope into your next chapter. Maybe your future looks unfamiliar, starting university without anyone you know, making alternate plans through clearing, planning a gap year or internship, or simply waiting to sense what God is guiding next. And yet, even when the world pushes us to have every step mapped, God’s invitation stands firm. This week, remember who God declares you to be: a loved, valued, cherished child of the Creator. That truth stands firm, regardless of your results, achievements, comparisons, others' opinions or your own doubts. So rejoice in how far you’ve come. With thankfulness, reflect on what lies ahead. And above all, hope. Even when the future is unclear, God holds it, along with you, every step of the way. 4. Gratitude in every outcome It might sound counterintuitive to give thanks if your results aren’t what you wanted, but gratitude shifts our perspective from what we lack to what God has already given. Every skill you developed, every challenge you overcame, every lesson you learned along the way is still yours. Gratitude also helps us see that God’s blessings aren’t limited to one moment or one measure of success. Even in seasons that feel disappointing, there may be hidden gifts, resilience you didn’t know you had, friendships forged in shared struggle, or new opportunities you wouldn’t have considered otherwise. Giving thanks doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect; it means choosing to trust that God is at work in ways you might not yet see. 5. Walking with others through their results For those celebrating, rejoice with them wholeheartedly. For those facing disappointment, sit with them in their pain without rushing to “fix” it. Sometimes the best ministry is presence, reminding them by your care that God has not abandoned them. Be intentional about listening more than speaking, and pray with them, not just for a change in circumstances, but for peace, courage and clarity for the journey ahead. Sometimes God uses our willingness to stand alongside someone in their uncertainty as a living picture of His steadfast love. Your compassion today could be the reminder they need that they are not walking this path alone. A prayer for results day Lord, Thank You for walking with me through these past years of study. Whether my results are better, worse, or different than I hoped, help me to remember my worth in You. Guide me in the days ahead, open the right doors, and give me peace in the waiting. Amen. Whatever your results says today, it’s not the final word over your life. The truest result was already written in eternity, you are loved, chosen, and called by God.

August at Emmanuel often feels different. The pace slows. Many families take time away, meetings pause, and even our usually bustling calendar thins out. At first, it can feel like a lull in the life of the church, a quiet month sandwiched between summer events and the busy September restart. But what if this “slowing down” isn’t an absence of ministry, but a gift from God? The Bible speaks often about rest. In Genesis 2:2–3 , God Himself set the pattern: “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy…” Rest was not an afterthought, it was part of the rhythm of creation. Later, in Exodus 20:8–11 , God commanded His people to “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” This was not merely a rule to follow, but an invitation to trust Him. To pause. To recognise that we are not sustained by our endless activity, but by His unending provision. In our busy modern lives, August can function like a Sabbath month. Yes, things may look quieter at Emmanuel, fewer meetings, fewer events but this is not spiritual idleness. This is space to breathe, to pray, to reflect on what God has done, and to prepare our hearts for what is to come. Even Jesus, in the midst of ministry, would withdraw to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). So, as we step half way into this rest period: Let’s take time to enjoy God’s creation. Let’s open His Word without the rush of schedules. Let’s pray for our community and the season ahead. And let’s remember that slowing down is not stepping back from God — it is stepping deeper into His presence. May the rest of August be a holy pause for Emmanuel, a time to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). And may we return in September renewed, ready to serve with joy and strength.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 What a week it has been. This summer, our church became a launch site for one of the most exciting and joy-filled Holiday Clubs we have ever hosted. With stars, planets, astronauts, and space dust decorating the building, we set off on a journey across the galaxies and into the heart of God’s truth. Over five unforgettable days, 103 children, four little ones in the crèche, and eight fantastic teenagers joined us for our space-themed adventure. From the moment the children walked through the doors with eyes wide and faces lit up, the excitement was contagious. Each room had been transformed into a different corner of the galaxy, lovingly prepared by volunteers who had been working for weeks. Space stations, control panels, hanging planets, and glowing stars all came together to create a vibrant world of wonder and learning. But more than the rocket ships and shiny decorations, it was the message behind the week that truly mattered. Rooted in John chapter eight, verse thirty-two, everything we did pointed back to one truth: that knowing Jesus brings true freedom. This simple and powerful idea came alive through storytelling, games, songs, crafts, and conversations. Children learned how Jesus frees us from fear, from lies, from loneliness, and from the pressure to be anything other than who He created us to be. Each morning began with high energy gathering that combined hilarious drama sketches, storytelling and worship songs that were impossible not to sing along with. The children danced, laughed, listened and reflected deeply, many for the first time, about who Jesus is and how His truth changes everything. Small group times gave room for connection, where volunteers listened with patience, answered thoughtful questions and reminded each child that they are fully known and deeply loved by God. Creativity was everywhere. The crafts tables turned into miniature universes, with children making everything from rockets and galaxy jars to aliens. Outside, laughter echoed as groups raced through obstacle courses and teamed up for cooperative games. Every activity was thoughtfully planned not just for fun, but to create moments that point back to the love of Jesus. An important part of the week was our Breakfast and Lunch Club, where around forty children and families gathered each day to share food and time together. These meals were about more than nourishment. They became spaces of welcome, warmth and conversation, where the church became more than a building and more like home. Behind all of this was an incredible team of 69 volunteers contributing over 3,000 hours to delivering the holiday club. From leading groups to preparing food, running sound, playing music, acting, cleaning up and offering prayer they poured their hearts into this ministry. Their service, joy and care created a space where children felt safe, seen and celebrated. The teenagers who served alongside them were equally amazing, bringing passion, leadership, and genuine connection with the younger children. To every parent who entrusted us with your child, thank you. To every volunteer who gave their time and energy, even when it meant glitter in the carpet and tired feet by Friday, thank you. And to God, who made this all possible and continues to speak truth and freedom into every life, we give all the glory. As we pack away the planets and sweep up the final bits of stardust, one thing remains. The truth of Jesus sets us free. And that truth travels with every child who walked through our doors this week. Our rockets may have landed, but the journey is only just beginning.