Village churches unite

REPRESENTATIVES of the Methodist Church and Church of England celebrated the official unity of the two churches in Horrabridge last Sunday afternoon.

The Methodist and Anglican congregations have been holding joint services at St John the Baptist Church since Easter 2005, but the service on Sunday included the signing of the new constitution of the Local Ecumenical Project.

The Rt Rev Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter, was celebrant at the communion service and the preacher was the Rev John Carne, the chair of the Plymouth and Exeter Methodist District. Prayers were led by the Rev Pam Stranks, the local Methodist minister. The Rev Geoff Lloyd, rector of St John's and rural dean of Tavistock, welcomed the congregation and read the psalm.

Also joining in the signing of the constitution of the United Church of Horrabridge, Single Congregation, were congregation representatives.

The Rev Simon Taylor, from Churches Together in Devon, led the affirmation of faith following the signing. The Rev Jeff Moles, the Methodist superintendent minister, and recently retired the Rev Valerie Honey, who was the local Methodist minister, also attended.