The Diocese of Exeter

The doors are open and generations are gathering at Exeter Cathedral for our Thy Kingdom Come service. There’s such a sense of anticipation as people of all ages come together, ready to worship, pray and learn together. We’re especially excited to hear from Rachel Gardner as she challenges us to truly listen to the voices of young people in today’s world. If you’re on your way, we can’t wait to welcome you. If you’re here, take a moment - this is going to be special.

Welcome to our Roots & Shoots newsletter looking forward to From Generation to Generation intergenerational celebration at Exeter Cathedral, signs of growth in church attendance, new safeguarding campaign, Bishop Mike takes leap of faith, remembering fishermen lost at sea and... going in prayer as churches beat the bounds on Rogation Sunday.... https://mailchi.mp/[xxxxxx]/welcome-to-our-rootsshoots-newsletter-8342945

On Ascension Day, we pray 🙏

"Being a biker and a priest just fits hand-in-glove." On Sunday, dozens of motorcyclists from across the South West gathered outside Exeter Cathedral for its first ever Blessing of the Bikes ceremony. The event was organised by Father Matthew Cashmore, a priest and biker from Devon. He said afterwards “It was amazing hearing all the bikes revving as they were leaving, making a joyful noise, but not necessarily the noise you would expect from the Cathedral." #ChurchFamily #Bikers @frmatthewcashmore @holymotorbikes @bishop_mikeharrison

Thy Kingdom Come | From Generation to Generation Thy Kingdom Come | From Generation to Generation Sunday 17 May, 6p at Exeter Cathedral Tickets: tinyurl.com/TKCExeter26 "His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation." (Luke 1:50) Join us at Exeter Cathedral for a landmark gathering of worship, reflection, and intercession as part of the global 'Thy Kingdom Come' movement. This year, our focus turns to the prophetic power of young voices. Inspired by Mary’s Song (The Magnificat)—the revolutionary response of a young girl to a loving God who transforms the world—we will explore how we can better understand our faith through the perspectives of the emerging generation. Keynote: Listening to the Voices of the Future We are delighted to welcome Rachel Gardner (Director of Partnerships at Youthscape and President of The Girls’ Brigade) as our keynote speaker. Rachel will challenge and inspire us to truly listen to young people, helping us understand their unique experience of the Christian faith in today’s complex world and how the church can walk alongside them. Intergenerational Panel Discussion Following the keynote, we will host a dynamic panel discussion featuring: The Rt Revd Dr Mike Harrison, Bishop of Exeter Dr Ysanne Marville, Senior Educational Psychologist Rachel Gardner Students from one of our church schools in Devon (TBC) Together, they will discuss the challenges and joys of passing the baton of faith, modelling what it looks like for the church to learn from young people, not just teach to them. Worship & Prayer Worship will be led by Andy Flannagan, known for his passion for justice and his anthem "We Seek Your Kingdom." The evening will include dedicated space to pray for our friends, families, and communities, asking for the Holy Spirit to empower us to share the good news of Jesus from generation to generation. Whether you are a church leader, a youth worker, or simply someone who cares about the future of the church, come and be part of this vital conversation. Let us gather to magnify the Lord together.

Dozens of motorcyclists from across the South West gathered outside Exeter Cathedral on Sunday 10 May for its first ever Blessing of the Bikes ceremony. The event included choral Evensong inside the Cathedral, which a number of the bikers attended. It was also livestreamed onto a giant screen outside on Cathedral Green. The event was organised by Father Matthew Cashmore, an Anglican priest and biker from Devon. He said afterwards “It was astonishing hearing all the bikes revving as they were leaving, making a joyful noise, but not necessarily the noise you would expect from the Cathedral. “I was astonished how many people came into the Cathedral. It was beautiful to have the normal congregation mingling with the bikers and inviting them in. “Christians and bikers are very similar in the way we just put our arms around people and pull people in and that was in practice today.” After the service the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison processed out of the Cathedral along with the choir, to pray for the bikers and bless them by sprinkling Holy water on each of their bikes in turn – before the bikers revved-up en masse and set off for home. @bishop_mikeharrison @exetercathedral @holymotorbikes @bbcdevon @thechurchofengland

t's incredible to see so many bikes already gathered outside Exeter Cathedral for today's Blessing of the Bikes service, and quite a sight to see former Exeter School chorister, Abraham Saxon, with his beloved bike just inside the doors of the Cathedral. During the service it will be symbolising all the bikes outside! @holymotorbikes @bishop_mikeharrison @exetercathedral @thechurchofengland @bbcnews

We're looking forward to the Blessing of the Bikes event at Exeter Cathedral this afternoon. The service will be livestreamed to a giant screen outside at 4pm, so come along to enjoy it in the sunshine. You can listen on catch-up to a fantastic interview with organiser Fr Matthew Cashmore on Radio Devon here (at 2 hours 9 mins into the programme, 8.09am) /sounds/play/m002vz2n @bbcdevon @exetercathedral @bishop_mikeharrison @holymotorbikes @pilgrimagedevon

46 abseilers. 740+ supporters. £25,000+ in donations. Thank you! If you’d like to support our brave abseilers who descended today for the conservation of our wonderful historic building for generations to come, there’s still time! Head to our JustGiving page (link in bio): justgiving.com/campaign/ec-abseil The Investing in Our Welcome project is raising funds for the next phase of the Cathedral’s Cloister buildings project, which includes plans for a new permanent café and improved activity spaces. The Bishop of Exeter (@bishop_mikeharrison ), who was one of 46 people to take the plunge for charity, added: “The Cathedral is an iconic building right in the centre of Devon. It’s a sign of the Christian faith, but it’s also a centre of hospitality for so many different groups. It’s really important that the fabric is taken care of... it’s a thousand years’ old, so it’s really important that we raise money to keep it going.” This abseil has been generously supported by @knightfrank and @apexscaffexe , and run by @mountaindavet 📹 Drone footage: @cofedevon #ExeterCathedral #YourCathedral

Bishop Mike describes what it feels like to abseil 140ft from the North Tower of Exeter Cathedral after his fundraising descent in aid of the Cathedral’s ‘Investing in our Welcome’ project to preserve the 900-year-old building for worship and hospitality for generations to come.

Bishop Mike Harrison, the Bishop of Exeter, says he was relieved to be back on 'terra firma' after abseiling off the North Tower of Exeter Cathedral to raise funds for the Cathedral 'Investing in our Welcome' project. He said "When you step out at the top, over the turret, all you can see is that it’s a long way down and you are not sure if the ropes are going to be all right. You’re told to push off, which instinctively you don’t want to do, so that’s probably the moment my heart rate was at its highest. I would have crossed myself but I thought the instructor might have thought I was trying to interfere with the mechanics [of the harness] so I decided against it. I’m very glad to have done it. I have a feeling if I did it again I would be able to do it better. At one point I was dangling around, facing the gathered throng on the ground, which was on one level encouraging and the other slightly intimidating. I would encourage others to have a go if you don’t have a health condition and you are a bit of an adrenalin-junkie, but otherwise you want to steer well-clear of this! Seeing Devon from the roof of the Cathedral you can see it is such a beautiful place to be and such a beautiful place to serve.” @exetercathedral @bishop_mikeharrison ; @thechurchofengland .uk/support-us/abseil/

Welcome to our Roots & Shoots newsletter reaching out in love to our Jewish communities, a new Dean of Women in Ministry, Bishop Mike prepares to take a leap of faith, new Joining Generations role, calling all reluctant organists and meet the Rev revving-up for the Blessing of the Bikes... https://mailchi.mp/[xxxxxx]/welcome-to-our-rootsshoots-newsletter-8342667