Diocese of Exeter

You can now read this week's Roots & Shoots newsletter with all our latest news, training and inspirational stories: mailchi.mp/9006283586bd...

"Top tip, make sure you're here next time!". Steve Gibson from The Pursue Network led one of the workshops at our Digital Ministry Mission Shed last weekend. He shares here how digital ministry can help us build and support God's Kingdom.

"Top tip, make sure you're here next time!". Steve Gibson from The Pursue Network led one of the workshops at our Digital Ministry Mission Shed last weekend. He shares here how digital ministry can help us build and support God's Kingdom.

If you missed it, catch up
here: vimeo.com/showcase/121...

"Prioritise authenticity over polish, just keep It real, keep It blurry!" Joe Hartropp from @thechurchofengland Digital Labs was our main speaker. We asked him to share his top tip about how to create engaging digital ministry social media posts.

Bishops Call for Prayer for Cyprus, the Gulf and Wider Middle East as Conflict Escalates - Diocese of Exeter Devon’s Anglican bishops have called for Christians in the county to respond to a request from the Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf to pray for all those caught-up in the current conflict in the Middle E...

Devon's Anglican bishops have called for Christians to respond to a call from the Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf (our link diocese) to pray for all those caught-up in the current conflict in the Middle East. Read their statement here: exeter.anglican.org/bishops-call...

@churchofengland.org

“If these young people aren’t going to come to the four walls of this Church, how can we bring that Church to them? How can we make a change in their life?”
At Digital Ministry Mission Shed, Jonathan Beecham from Emmaus Gaming shared how gaming can engage young people in the life of the church.

Our thoughts and prayers for God’s protection are with everyone across the Middle East at this time. Here is a message from Bishop Sean Semple, who leads our link diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, where at least six countries have been hit by drone strikes or missiles: www.cypgulf.org/elementor-20...

A simple act of light at St Peter’s, Thornbury: 7 nights of colour, 💚 for creation, 💙 for education, 💜 for rural life, 🧡 for local businesses, 🤍 for the lonely, 💕 for love, 💛 for new beginnings. Acknowledgement can be powerful; our lives are worthy of being held before God.

Mel Osborne on Radio Devon - Matt Woodley sits in (22/02/2026) - BBC Sounds An exploration of the various faiths and ethics with Matt.

Listen to Bishop James talk about Pray Grow Serve 2035, investing in church growth across the diocese and putting faith back on the public agenda.
He joins Matt Woodley on BBC Radio Devon to discuss the plans.

Catch the segment at 07:08 (1h08m in):
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Today is Ash Wednesday, so Bishop Mike Harrison and Rev Matt Clayton from Unlimited church hits the streets of Exeter for ashings and blessings on the go.
#AshWednesday

Dates for your diary (... and drier, warmer days!)
To be a pilgrim is to wander on a journey with a purpose, to engage your heart, body and soul to begin a journey of discovery.

Ready, steady… flip! 🥞🍋😋
Tomorrow is Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) one last feast before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
Traditionally, Christians used up eggs, milk & butter before Lent by making pancakes. Delicious and practical! Let us know if your church is hosting a pancake party.

We are hiring! School Buildings and Trusteeship Officer: Apply here: www.cofepathways.org/members/modu...

Do you know someone who makes a real difference in their community by serving with joy? Nominations for the St Boniface Awards 2026 close on Thurs 5th March 2026 - so don’t miss your chance to recognise their impact. Nominate today and help us celebrate those who serve with joy: bit.ly/3OfSLFZ

Digital Ministry Mission Shed: Have you booked? Join Pursue Network’s Steve Gibson (and others!) at St Jude’s, Plymouth on Sat 28 Feb for talks, workshops and worship with Digital Labs and Emmaus Gaming. Book free tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../mission-....

The Church of England Church for all, online and in every community.

General Synod brings together bishops, clergy, laity and representatives from across the Church to debate and make key decisions. Catch the latest video highlights and watch all this week’s events live on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheChurchof...

Licensed Lay Ministers from across Devon gathered in Torquay for their annual conference. Annie Jefferies reminded us that “The Diocese of Exeter has more Anna Chaplains than any other diocese… and yet we could treble that number and still need more.”

The search is on for our new Regional Net Zero Carbon Fundraising Adviser. Experienced fundraiser with track record of stakeholder engagement and large‑scale funding proposals? Passion for the environment and reducing carbon emissions? Details and apply: www.bathandwells.org.uk/-vacancies/d...

Following the Confirmation of Election, Bishop Mike commented: "The added bonus for us is that she knows Devon so well from her time as Bishop of Crediton. No doubt she will be utilising what she learned in Devon in her leadership of the Anglican Communion.” @churchofengland.org

The Bishop of Exeter says "I am delighted to see Sarah Mullally formally and legally made Archbishop of Canterbury today. She will be an Archbishop who is deeply experienced in both rural and urban contexts and has so much wisdom and knowledge to bring to this incredibly demanding role."

This edition of the Torah, also known as the Pentateuch, was printed by E. Toledano in Lisbon in 1491. We are honoured to be looking after one of the most beautiful Hebrew printed books of the 15th century.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Holocaust Memorial Day service this morning.

On #HolocaustMemorialDay, I am lighting a candle at 8pm with others across the UK, remembering those who were killed in the Holocaust.

As we #LightTheDarkness, I pray this light renews our commitment to resist hatred and uphold the dignity of every human life.

Speakers included Tim Locke, who shared the story of his murdered grandparents Ruth and Raimund Neumeyer. Read more here: ephraimneumeyer.wordpress.com/about/

Holocaust Memorial Day has been marked across Devon. This year's theme was Bridging Generations. At @exetercathedral.bsky.social civic, religious and community leaders, school children and others took part in a candle lighting ceremony to remember victims of the Holocaust.

New Plymouth City Dean to Play a Key Part in Plymouth 2035 - Diocese of Exeter Rev’d Alexander Randle-Bissell has been appointed as the new Plymouth City Dean (Missional Development Leader) for the Diocese of Exeter. His newly-created role is a key part of Plymouth 2035, a bold,...

The Church of England in Plymouth has appointed Rev’d Alexander Randle-Bissell as the new City Dean as part of Plymouth 2035, an ambitious 10-year vision of transformation for the city and its churches. You can read more here: exeter.anglican.org/new-plymouth... @churchofengland.org

Forget Davos! This leadership summit is happening on our doorstep in just a few weeks' and looks like being a significant event with some great speakers discussing some important topics for our time - including our own Bishop James.
Booking details are on the flyer.

Pray Grow Serve 2035: Inspiring Faith in Devon The Diocese of Exeter is delighted to announce it has been awarded £10m to help churches across Devon grow, flourish and serve their communities for generations…

The Diocese of Exeter is delighted to announce it has been awarded £10m by the national @churchofengland.org to resource Pray Grow Serve 2035, an ambitious 10-year plan to help to help churches across Devon grow, flourish and serve their communities for generations to come. vimeo.com/1154694754

Looking for a role where your work makes a difference? The Diocese of Exeter is a community growing in prayer, making new disciples and serving Devon with joy. We welcome diverse skills and callings. Explore current opportunities: exeter.anglican.org/vacancies/

Bubble Church is a 30‑min, puppet‑packed, Jesus‑centred adventure for babies, toddlers & families. Want to find out more? Join a local webinar:
13 Jan, 8pm: bit.ly/49qjRRM
14 Jan, 1.30pm: bit.ly/3LyQpRB

Plymouth Church Performs Powerful Refugee Retelling of Story of Three Kings - Diocese of Exeter The Ephipany themes of journey, welcome, generosity, what it means to be a refugee and the Good News of Jesus being for the whole world have been powerfully brought to life in a new play written and p...

A powerful Epiphany play at St Mary & All Saints, Plymstock retold themes of journey, welcome and refugee experience, inspired by Journey of the Magi. Performed on 4 Jan, it raised £212 for Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support. Read the full story here: bit.ly/4pNuB2V