An “At Home” Service for Sunday 4th July 2021

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Jul 042021
 
Welcome to the Home service July 4th 2021

Prepared by Sandra Dodd

WELCOME:

To God be the Glory, great things He has done: so loved He the world, He gave us His son: who yielded His life, an atonement for sin and opened the Life gate that all may come in. Praise the Lord!

PRAYER: We come this day loving Father to say thank you for the many ways you show your love to each one of us. In the beauty of nature that astounds us; in the peace that surrounds us; in the creativity that mesmerises us; for our families and friends that ground us, we thank you. We are sorry Lord when we are dissatisfied, unable to see the joy, or hear or feel the magnitude of your love for us. We ask your forgiveness Lord, if we have forgotten your sacrifice, that of your only son, who died for us, so that we can know life in all its fullness. Bless us Lord Jesus, as we journey forward we pray, Amen

HYMN;

The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters,
His goodness restores my soul.

And I will trust in You alone,
And I will trust in You alone,
For Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.

He guides my ways in righteousness,
And He anoints my head with oil,
And my cup, it overflows with joy,
I feast on His pure delights.

And I will trust in you alone…….

And though I walk the darkest path,
I will not fear the evil one,
For You are with me, and Your rod and staff
Are the comfort I need to know.

And I will trust in you alone…….

Stuart Townend Copyright © 1996 Thankyou Music
(Adm. by CapitolCMGPublishing.com excl. UK & Europe, adm. by Integrity Music, part of the David C Cook family, songs@integritymusic.com)

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READING: selected verses from Psalm 51
God, be merciful to me because you are loving. Wash away all my guilt and make me clean again. You are the only one I have sinned against; I have done what you say is wrong. You are right when you speak and fair when you judge. You want me to be completely truthful, so teach me wisdom. Take away my sin, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Make me hear sounds of joy and gladness. Turn your face from my sins and wipe out all my guilt. Create in me a pure heart, God, and make my spirit right again. Give me the joy of your salvation, keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit. I will teach your ways to those who do wrong, and sinners will turn back to you. Lord let me speak so I may praise you. God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin. Amen

HYMN:

1. I hear Thy welcome voice
That calls me, Lord, to Thee,
For cleansing in Thy precious blood
That flowed on Calvary.

I am coming, Lord!
Coming now to Thee!
Wash me, cleanse me in the blood
That flowed on Calvary!

2. Tho’ coming weak and vile,
Thou dost my strength assure;
Thou dost my vileness fully cleanse,
Till spotless all, and pure.

I am coming, Lord!
Coming now to Thee!
Wash me, cleanse me in the blood
That flowed on Calvary!

3. ‘Tis Jesus calls me on
To perfect faith and love,
To perfect hope and peace and trust,
For earth and heav’n above.

TALK:
AHS-040721-2It’s’s that time of year when sheep are being shorn! Their thick, woolly, dirty coats are removed. A tiring, hot and sweaty job, but one that is done for the health and welfare of the sheep.

For instance flies lay their eggs in the warm damp areas of the wool, producing maggots which if left start to eat the flesh of the sheep. The heat and weight of the fleece is cumbersome for the sheep too.

A fleece has very little value as it is. At this stage, often the value is less than the cost of shearing it. Majority of farmers take their fleeces in big sacks to the wool board depots where it is inspected and graded. From here it is bought and usually the process of washing the fleeces begins. Removing the oils and dirt and impurities in the wool. This is followed by carding, when the fibres are straighten out into the same direction, and then spinning or weaving happens to allow products of value and beauty to AHS-040721-3be created. Items that are useful like knitting yarns and carpets, felt and materials, even chairs! Crafters do buy direct from the farms and produce some outstanding items for their enjoyment or to sell on to customers to enjoy.

I think we are like those fleeces. Through Jesus, we are able to have the layers of wrong doing, the many burdens that we bear, things that trouble us, removed. At the cross we can leave our lives, and walk away unburden and free in the Spirit.

We are worth less as we are, just like the fleece from a sheep, until Jesus takes us, washes us with the spirit and crafts us and uses us to do his work. Portraying the radiant love of God here, were we live and work. We become invaluable and precious, needed and love.

Come to the shepherd, let him take our fleece of life and know His love at work in our lives.

PRAYER:
Heavenly father, here I am, at the foot of the cross, pour out your love on me I pray. Wash me, cleanse me and use me to bring you the glory.

Loving Lord, I pray you will show me how to be more neighbourly, in both words and actions. Bless my neighbours Lord, let them see you through me. Lord, You have given me such an amazing area to live, help me to appreciate all that surrounds me, and respect your handiwork of creation. Gracious Lord Jesus, as I go about my work and daily life, I pray you will give me the strength and courage to live for you. I pray that by your spirit I may have the wisdom and truth to impart, and that knowledge that a smile goes a mile! You know me and love me; you know my strengths and weaknesses, I pray now that you will craft me to my potential and be with me on my journey with you In Jesus, my friend and Saviour I pray, Amen

HYMN:

Jesus’ hands were kind hands,
doing good to all,
Healing pain and sickness,
blessing children small,
Washing tired feet and saving those who fall;
Jesus’ hands were kind hands,
doing good to all.

Take my hands, Lord Jesus,
let them work for you;
Make them strong and gentle,
kind in all I do;
Let me watch you, Jesus,
till I’m gentle too,
Till my hands are kind hands,
quick to work for you.

PRAYER:
Lord Jesus thank you for being with us, in our time of worship. We pray you will bless each one of us and those that we love, today and in the coming week, in your precious name we ask Amen.

A plea to be careful from Devon County Council

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Jun 202021
 

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The latest data in Devon shows the largest volume of positive COVID-19 cases are among young people and the younger working age population, 20 to 39 year olds.

It’s probably less to do with the fact they’re working – we’re not seeing an especially high number of outbreaks in workplace settings – and more likely that these age groups are just beginning to be vaccinated, so until now they haven’t been as well protected as older, already vaccinated, age groups.

It is also likely that this is an age group that tends to mix more socially. We know that increased socialising, particularly indoors, increases the risk of transmission, and with pubs, restaurants and many other places open again, the opportunity for social contact is much more available.

So, here’s a plea to everyone, including this younger working age population. Please be mindful. We’ve still got to be careful. There are still rules, especially around social distancing and face coverings indoors, and we need to follow them. And please take up the vaccination when you’re invited to do so.

If you’re out with others, or staying in with others, stick to the rules – hands, face, space and fresh air.

Support available for people experiencing ‘Long COVID’

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Jun 202021
 

Long COVID describes the prolonged symptoms following a COVID infection, and is something that many people are experiencing. The symptoms have a significant impact on a person’s physical recovery, psychological wellbeing, or ability to perform usual activities.

Plymouth resident, Charlie, has made a video describing her experience of having Long COVID, and how it is impacting on her life. In it she talks very openly about how her deterioration has affected not just her physical and mental health, but also how it affects her young daughters. She has set up a local support group in Plymouth for people like her, living with Long COVID, to give others the space and time to talk and share their experiences.

But if Plymouth is not on your doorstep, and you are experiencing prolonged symptoms that have followed having coronavirus, you can be referred to a Devon Long COVID service by your GP or hospital service. They will want to understand how long you’ve had the symptoms and when they started. You may be directed to another care service or be given advice about managing the conditions yourself.

You can also visit the NHS Your COVID Recovery website, which contains general information on all aspects of recovering from COVID-19, including physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing. It’s for people with Long COVID and their families or carers, and it signposts to agencies that can help.

Take Care – Refresh Your Air

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Feb 052021
 

take-care-refresh-your-air_original

Why is fresh air so important?

Making sure there is good ventilation in a room is something we sometimes overlook, but it’s one of the basic measures we should all be taking to reduce the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus (COVID-19).

When a person infected with coronavirus coughs, talks or breaths, they release droplets and aerosols which can be breathed in by another person. While larger droplets fall to the ground quickly, smaller droplets and aerosols containing the virus can remain suspended in the air for some time indoors, especially if there is no ventilation.

Opening windows to bring in fresh air from outside is important. The more fresh air there is to breathe, the less likely a person is to inhale infectious particles.

With roughly one in every three people with coronavirus not showing any symptoms of having it, it’s important to take every precaution, and remember that good ventilation is one of those measures.

The government has updated the guidance on its website this week about how to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

How to Find Your NHS NUMBER>

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Feb 052021
 
Ways you can find your NHS number

Most of the time we don’t need our NHS number, but for those going for the Covid vaccine at the moment we do.

Here are some easy ways to find your NHS number. They appear in most documents or letters sent to you by the NHS, such as your:

  • prescriptions
  • test results
  • hospital referral letters
  • appointment letters
    or
  • click on this link for the NHS number finder!

 

The NHS APP

If you don’t have any of the above to hand, you can download the “NHS APP”. You can get it on Google Play, if you have an Android phone (anything other than the Apple brand) or Download on the APP store.

You will have fun identifying yourself using photos and video. There are only a few questions to answer before your details are sent to confirm your identity. A few hours later you will receive confirmation by email and will be allowed access through the APP which:

  • has your NHS number
  • lets you book appointments
  • reorder repeat prescriptions
  • and provides access to a range of other healthcare services.

COVID-19 vaccine: HealthWatch Devon explain what you need to know

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Jan 282021
 

Residents who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are reminded that they must continue to follow the public health rules, including social distancing, regularly washing their hands and wearing a face covering.

gov-will-tell-you

Take a look about what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme including how you will know when it’s your turn, where to go, and why it’s important.

We all have an important part to play to help the NHS deliver their vaccine delivery plan:

  • Please do not contact the NHS to seek a vaccine, the NHS will contact you;
  • When you are contacted, please book and attend your appointment(s);
  • Turn up to your appointment on time, do not arrive early or late as the vaccination centres cannot accommodate you.
  • Regardless of whether or not you have been vaccinated, you must continue to follow the Government advice around COVID-19 restrictions. Find out what you can and can’t do.

For the latest information about the vaccine go to the NHS website.

Frequently Asked Questions: COVID-19 vaccine

Here are some FAQs to help you get the information you need to know about the biggest vaccination programme in history:

When will I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

The NHS has a clear vaccine delivery plan and will contact you when it’s your turn to get the vaccine as quickly and easily as possible.

The Government will continue to follow the scientific advice and vaccinate those most at risk first, and those who work closest with them – care home residents and staff, followed by people over 80 and health and social care workers, then other people in order of age and risk. You can find the full prioritisation list here.

Do not contact the NHS first, they will contact you.

How might I be contacted to get my vaccination?

  1. Local hospital services – you might be contacted either to have the vaccine as an inpatient or at an outpatient appointment.
  2. Local GP services – practices in your area are working together to contact and offer the vaccine to as many people as possible. This may be at a different surgery than you usually go to, or at a venue that has been set up specially to deliver vaccines.
  3. Through your care home – GPs and their teams are also arranging to vaccinate care home residents directly, in their homes.

Where do I go to get my vaccine when I’m contacted?

Hundreds of local vaccination services run by family doctors and their teams have opened across the UK, as well as specific vaccination centres.

You will be given information by the NHS about where you need to go for your vaccination appointment(s) when contacted. If the option given is not suitable, you can request for a more local centre for your appointment.

I’ve contacted the national booking service but I can’t travel to one of the locations that are available, what should I do?

More locations will become available in the coming weeks so you could try again later.

Alternatively, you can choose to wait until your local GP service invites you for the vaccine.

How many people have had the COVID-19 vaccine?

The NHS publishes a weekly report on vaccination numbers. To find out the latest numbers click here.

Are there any side effects?

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short-term, and not everyone gets them.

You should not have the vaccine if you’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction to:

  • a previous vaccine
  • a previous dose of the same COVID-19 vaccine
  • some medicines, household products or cosmetics

Serious allergic reactions are rare. If you do have a reaction to the vaccine, it usually happens in minutes. Staff giving the vaccine are trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.

I’m pregnant, can I still get the vaccine?

There’s no evidence the COVID-19 vaccine is unsafe if you’re pregnant. But more evidence is needed before you can be routinely offered the vaccine.

Click here to find out more.

Protect yourself from fraud

In England, the COVID-19 vaccines will only be available via the NHS. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a GP surgery or pharmacy local to you, to receive your vaccine.

Remember, the vaccine is free of charge. At no point will you be asked to pay.

  • The NHS will never ask you for your bank account or card details.
  • The NHS will never ask you for your PIN or banking password.
  • The NHS will never arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
  • The NHS will never ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.

Find out more and report fraud – click here.

Now that we are rolling out vaccines across the UK, can we end restrictions and lockdowns?

The full impact on infection rates will not become clear until a large number of people have been vaccinated with two doses, but as larger numbers do get vaccinated, we will hopefully move further along the path back to a more normal way of life.

The vaccines are a wonderful development, but we are not out of the woods yet. Remember, ‘Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives’ and ‘Hands Face Space’. Act as if you have COVID, even after you’ve been vaccinated

Are the Government introducing vaccine passports?

There are no plans to introduce immunity passports following the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

Do I have to have the COVID-19 vaccine even though I’ve already had COVID-19?

An effective vaccine is the best way to protect people from COVID-19, reduce hospitalisations and save lives. Vaccines are the only way to eradicate disease.

People that have already had COVID-19 should still get vaccinated. It is still just as important for those who have already had COVID-19 as it is for those who haven’t.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine compulsory?

There are no plans to make the COVID-19 vaccine compulsory.

What does a vaccine do?

Vaccines teach your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you from diseases. It’s much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and treating them. Once a vaccine has trained your immune system to know how to fight a disease, it can often protect you for many years.

Are vaccines safe?

Vaccines are now safer than ever before. Any vaccine must first go through the usual rigorous testing and development process and be shown to strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness before it can be deployed.

Got a question?

If you have more questions about the COVID-19 vaccination programme you can find more information on the NHS website.

Local information

Please click here to access information about the COVID-19 vaccine from Together for Devon, managed by NHS Devon CCG.

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE HEALTHWATCH DEVON WEBSITE, from which this information has been taken.

 

Watch out for Cynical New SCAM messages…

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Jan 052021
 

Please be wary of fake COVID-19 vaccine text alerts, the fake text alerts appear to be from the NHS stating that the recipient is eligible to apply for a vaccine and followed by a link – please do not click on the link – the link is a convincing fake NHS website which asks for personal and financial information. The NHS will never ask for your banking information.

Please be wary of other scams related to COVID-19 which may include:

  • Fake links claiming to take you to a Government website for a COVID-19 related payment
  • Offers of health supplements that will prevent you from becoming infected
  • Financial support offers that appear to be from your bank
  • Fines suggesting you have breached lockdown

If you have clicked and supplied your details please phone your bank/building society immediately on a telephone number from a reliable source (if any financial information has been passed) and report to Action Fraud via the website https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or by phoning 0300 123 2040.

If you have any concerns please email 101@dc.police.uk or phone 101.

Message Sent By
Linzi Berryman (Police, DC Alert Officer, Devon & Cornwall)

This is one message has started to do the rounds – although it looks convincing, it’s just a rather blatant and cynical attempt to harvest your bank details – on no account should you respond to it!

WhatsApp Image 2021-01-05 at 20.07.16

Coronavirus and Mental Health Guide

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Sep 212020
 

A new guide to better Mental Health during the Coronavirus pandemic has been issued by the “Rehab 4 Addiction” organisation.

The Guide has been  created to assist increased understanding and awareness of all aspects of dealing with the stress of bereavment and the lockdown. With the current COVID-19
pandemic, many who live with depression are struggling to stay afloat during mandated or self-isolation.

The aim is that this informational guide can be one of many stepping stones for those struggling and their loved ones to better understand their situation and lead them to find a safe and supportive environment, especially during these times.

You can find the guide online at https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/coronavirus/mental-health-coronavirus

Rehab 4 Addiction serves as an online resource to people dealing with substance abuse.

 

Help Combat FLY TIPPING

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Jul 082020
 

fly-tippingWould you like to be more proactive in helping to combat fly tipping in our Parish?

If Yes, AND YOU CAN DO SO SAFELY,

Please record and report any suspicious activities involving vehicles, which could possibly be connected to fly tipping.

It would helpful if any appropriate information you have could be passed to the Local Authority email address:  Environmentalprotectionauto@swdevon.gov.uk

Or reported on the following link:

https://apps.westdevon.gov.uk/webreportit

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