Weekly Benefice Bulletin
Sunday 15th February 2026
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A reflection on Change by Revd Brian McQuillen
On 28 th June this year I will have spent fifty years as a priest in the Church of England. I do not claim any credit for this ‘achievement’; I have simply been encouraged to get up each morning. A discussion with another priest, the same vintage as me, commented that the Church of England is in a sad state. “It is not the Church I joined”, he grumbled. “Of course it isn’t,” I replied.
I began my training in 1971 at two colleges before experiencing two curacies as an assistant priest in two parishes. Then after serving in three separate parishes I retired in 2011, continuing to serve when and wherever I can. During those fifty years the Church of England has changed so much. When I was confirmed in 1959 the only book available for worship was the Book of Common Prayer, which also has a history of change. The first recognisable Prayer Book was produced in 1549, not long after the Church of England was formed. A 1662 revision, still recognisable today, was again changed in 1928, but Parliament refused to sanction its use. This frustrated the Church so it was allowed with the two Archbishops also permitting a slight revision in 1946. During my lifetime we have experienced Series 1 and 2, then in the early 1970’s Series 3, which introduced modern language to our liturgy. One version of the introduction to Holy Communion began “The Lord be with you”, with the congregation replying “And the same to you!” Clearly that was amended!. In 1980 we had the Alternative Service Book known simply as the ‘ASB’. Now we (hopefully) enjoy ‘Common Worship’ with the Prayer Book still licensed for use should a parish wish. But we do well to remember that the theology and experience of God has moved on since the days of the Reformation. We think less of a vengeful, judgemental God and more of a God who relates to and loves his people. Language and illustrations from modern life are essential in explaining and illustrating life in the Spirit for God’s people today. That is what Jesus did. Also by looking at our ancient church buildings there is much evidence of change in the
ancient stonework, with old evidence of screens, seating, secluded stairways ending in nothing, and blocked up doorways and windows. All evidence of ongoing change. In my time priests no longer stand before the altar but behind emphasising the sharing of communion in the ‘round’.
When I began my ministry women were only appointed as a deaconess or parish worker. Thankfully we now have women priests and bishops, (including the new Archbishop of Canterbury) providing new insight into the nature of God and an extra dimension to ministry. I recall being one of the first parish priests in Birmingham diocese to be entrusted with training a female curate.
The structure and administration of our Church has also changed, although the parish is still the essential basis. There are more demands on administration, extra meetings and training courses with emphasis on management and organisation. Even as an assistant curate I still had a part-time secretary and subsequently in all my parishes the assistance of secretarial and administrative help, so essential in the order and running of a parish church. Today when a parish priest has multiple parishes, duties and responsibilities and therefore subsequent demands on their time, it is absolutely essential that they have the assistance of an administrator, certainly when parishes are grouped together.
The only constant is change. Albert Einstein noted that ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results’; while Buddha said, ‘Change is never painful. Only the resistance to change is painful’; I continually offer prayers for a changing church, one that is open to new ideas and one which allows newcomers space to worship our loving God in new and exciting ways. Open minds and hearts are crucial. We have to trust that God’s Spirit is allowed space and freedom to work wonders.
Jesus said, “Unless you become like a child you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven”. In my experience a childlike trust with eyes of wonder will bring incredible miracles, encouraging change.
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Sunday 15th February
Sunday before Lent
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Probus
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9.30
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Praise and Worship
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Caroline
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St Erme
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9.30
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Holy Communion
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Linda
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St Nun's
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10.30
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Parish Praise
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William/Simon
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Ladock
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11.00
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Holy Communion
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Linda
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Tresillian
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15.00
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Holy Communion
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Caroline
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Collect for Sunday
Almighty Father,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross:
give us grace to perceive his glory,
that we may be strengthened to suffer with him
and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen
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Wednesday 18th February
Ash Wednesday
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Ladock
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11.00
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Linda
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Probus
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19.00
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Caroline
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Probus
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12.00
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Holy Communion
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Caroline
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Sunday 22nd February
Lent 1
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Probus
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9.30
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Holy Communion and Baptism
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Linda
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St Erme
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9.30
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Morning Prayer
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Caroline
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Ladock
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11.00
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Holy Communion
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Caroline
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St Crida
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11.00
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BCP Holy Communion
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Rev Emma Childs
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Tresillian
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11.15
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Holy Communion
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Linda
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Probus
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16.00
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Café Church
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Liz
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Our midweek home groups are a real blessing to be part of, a place where we share life, faith, and friendship. It’s often the first to hear when someone needs prayer or has good news to share.
We hope these groups will continue to grow and welcome new members as we journey together in faith.
For details about the different midweek home groups you can join, please contact the home group leaders.
Grampound with Creed meets on Thursday evenings (weekly) with William & Ruth Trinnick (various locations)
Probus meets on Tuesday evenings (fortnightly) with Scott and Sue Hall
Probus will be meeting Thursday evenings (fortnightly) with Liz and Chris Marshman. Please contact Liz on 07525 456434.
Tresillian - We are hoping to begin a daytime group in Tresillian, more news to follow, but if you would like to offer your home please let Rev. Caroline know.
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Children & Young People’s Groups
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Probus - Youth Group: Sunday 15th February, 6.00pm - 7.00pm
Probus - Little Lights: Thursday 19th February, 9:30am - 11:30am
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Prayer Requests
Please can I ask for your prayers for all our marriage couples, we are gathering together on Saturday 14th February for a short course entitled preparing for your marriage.
For Penelope Hall who will be baptised at Probus church on Sunday 22nd February.
And for the family and friends of Mike Lock whose funeral takes place at Ladock Church on 17th February at 11am.
gras ha kres,
Caroline.
Schools Team
A reminder that I am trying to create a schools team that will engage with all our schools a couple of times around the year providing spiritual and creative ways for children to engage with the Christian faith and tradition. All roles will be safely recruited into in accordance with our safeguarding policy. Please contact Revd Caroline for more information.
Pastoral Administrator
I would like to ask if there is someone who would be willing to provide a little admin support in the pastoral work of our churches. This will require sending cards periodically around the year. For a role description and more information please contact Revd Caroline.
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Wedding Planning Day
Saturday 14th February, 11am - 3pm
As we look ahead to the upcoming wedding preparation day, we invite everyone to keep the engaged couples joining Caroline in your prayers. This is a meaningful time of reflection, learning, and spiritual growth as they prepare for the lifelong commitment of marriage. May their day be filled with encouragement, wisdom, and a deep sense of God’s presence as they take these important steps together.
We also extend a heartfelt invitation to those who feel called to serve. Volunteers are needed to assist with food preparation and hospitality, helping to create a welcoming and nurturing environment for the couples. Your time and support, whether big or small, will play an important role in making the day run smoothly and joyfully, please contact Sara Edwardes if you can help.
Thank you for praying, serving, and being part of this special journey.
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Pancake Party @ Grampound
Thursday 17th February, 6.30pm
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party at Tremethick, Bosillion Lane, Grampound.
All are welcome. Savoury and sweet pancakes will be served and also a raffle.
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TR2 Community Hub
Monday 16th February
Digital Support: 10am-12pm
Coffee Morning: 10am -12pm
Community Larder: 4pm - 4:30pm
Tuesday 17th February
Coffee Morning: 10.30am -12pm
Wednesday 18th February
More Move Group: 10am-12pm
Coffee Morning: 10am - 12pm
Community Larder: 2.30pm - 3:30pm
Probus Community Support and Information Service: 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Friday 20th February
Coffee Morning: 9am - 11am
Community Larder: 9am - 10am
Saturday 21st February
Community Larder: 9:30am - 10:30am
Coffee Morning: 9:30pm - 10:30pm
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Be Attitudes - Lent Course
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Chapel Street Wind Concert @ Probus
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Dr Sharon Willoughby @ Probus
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Generosity and Stewardship Matters
Financially Supporting your church
The Parish Giving Scheme is our preferred method of receiving regular giving within the churches of Probus, Ladock and Grampound. If you haven't already transferred from other forms of giving then do check out how it works through the link here or by contacting your treasurer.
Please do consider whether this is a good time to review your regular giving at the church, or perhaps you would like to plan for a future donation and leave a gift in your will. The Church of England has produced guidance on legacy giving which you can find here
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Your Benefice Bulletin needs you!
Our weekly Benefice Bulletin is a vital way we share news, services, and events across our churches and we’re looking for someone who would be willing to take on publishing it each week.
The role involves preparing and sending the bulletin email using Mailchimp, so confidence with computers and basic software is essential. That said, full start-up support and guidance will be provided, so you won’t be thrown in at the deep end!
If you enjoy working with emails, like things to be clear and well-presented, and would like to offer a valuable service to the benefice, we’d love to hear from you.
If you’re interested, or would like to know more before deciding, please get in touch via bulletin@probus.church. Matthew Hodge
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Newsletter Submissions
Please send your items by 5pm on Tuesday 17th February at the latest to Matthew at bulletin@probus.church and make sure the subject line clearly indicates that it is a newsletter submission.
Thank you.
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