SS Nicholas & Faith Church Saltash

31/08/2026

Is your school or church collecting for the foodbank this year? Here is our list of needs. We expect demand to increase this winter due to energy price rises as well as food items increasing in price after the warm and dry weather conditions this summer. Any help will be much appreciated. Thank you to all that support our foodbank 🥰

21/08/2026

Holy communion last Sunday, readings were Isaiah 56: 1,6-8, Psalm 67, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew15:10-28
and intercessions as follows

INTERCESSIONS 16 august 2026

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”Rev 22 1-2
Lord in this dry summer season, we pray for the world, the church and ourselves.
You offer us the water of life in your Son and we are so grateful for that wonderful gift, but we also need that precious commodity H2O every day, to drink, to cleanse and to baptise. We are now more aware than ever of the importance of water in our world and thank you for rain when it comes as a relief. We pray that rain may soon come for the farmers who are struggling to feed livestock and keep crops growing, and for the replenishment of the reservoirs we rely on for our drinking and bathing. Teach us not to waste water and use it conscientiously so we can all benefit.
We pray particularly for everywhere experiencing the dreadful wildfires that are ravaging landscapes, destroying homes, killing wildlife and endangering people’s lives and livelihoods. We remember particularly all those who are working so hard to control these fires, putting themselves in danger to protect others.
We pray that we all take responsibility for looking after the world’s resources and caring for the environment so as to avoid the increasing temperatures. Help us to be mindful of the needs of our neighbours who may be finding the heat difficult.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Even as we see parts of our world on fire, we see conflict and war continue in many places as well. Lord we pray that the Tree of Life not only yield its fruits but also sheds its leaves over our world and heals the nations . We pray for an end to wars and conflict in so many parts of your world, We pray for women and children, for refugees and those fleeing violence and disaster in so many parts of the world. These are desperate times for so many people existing with fear, poverty, hunger, violence and suppression. Our hearts go out to them and we pray most fervently for their relief. We pray particularly today for the victims of the recent earthquakes and the rescue workers and grieving families.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Lord we are grateful we have a voice and are free to worship and have our say in things, and do not have to encounter persecution and imprisonment for our beliefs. We pray for Christians around the world who are facing this situation, and hope that they too will share the freedoms we enjoy.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Lord we pray for our churches, King Charles and our church leaders, that we may keep on following the way of Christ.
We pray for our political leaders that they may discern the best for the country, and put country above self and personal profit. We thank you for our local volunteer councillors and all who serve the people of Saltash in so many ways.
Lord we thank you for our parishes in Cornwall, that we all pull together to go out to spread the Word and be the hands and heart of Christ . We also thank you for those who do so much to keep our churches open, lead worship and provide pastoral care
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Lord , we pray for those who are suffering in body, mind or spirit. We pray for your healing touch on those who are ill, waiting for or recovering from surgery, especially those known to us. We pray for those who are finding life difficult because of their age or infirmity, who are struggling with their mental health or not coping with the struggles of everyday life
We particularly pray for those who mourn their loved ones at this time......Lord, be their constant comfort and may your presence sustain and uplift them in sad times .
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Dear Lord ,finally we pray for ourselves ,we need your love and presence every day. Lord, Walk with us when we are out and about, sit with us and meet us in the quiet times, hold us as we sleep. Help us to remember you are always there to listen even though we so often forget to talk to you.
You are our past, present and future. You know what we need and we silently offer our cares and worries to you, and ask forgiveness for any thoughtless words or acts that may have been unkind . We thank you for your everlasting love.
Accept these prayers for the sake of your son Jesus Christ who died for us all.
Amen.

11/08/2026

You might notice longer grass in the churchyards, or someone gently pushing on a headstone. Here’s the simple story behind it.

Churchyards were never meant to look like bowling greens. Before lawnmowers existed, grass was cut with scythes or grazed by animals. The ground is uneven because it’s ancient. The graves sit close together because that’s how communities buried their loved ones for centuries. Modern expectations arrived long after the churchyard was shaped.

Churches aren’t paid to keep churchyards immaculate. Unless a churchyard is formally “closed,” the PCC and volunteers (often of mature years) carry the responsibility and finances are tight in your local church.

The height of the grass is not a measure of respect. Respect is shown in care, welcome, prayer and presence — not in centimetres of lawn.

This land is special in many ways. Churchyards are one of the few places where the soil hasn’t been touched by chemicals for hundreds of years. That’s why you see such biodiversity in wildflowers, mosses, lichens, insects and birds you won’t find in the fields next door. It’s ancient grassland quietly flourishing.

If you see someone pushing on a headstone, don’t worry. The Burial Authority must legally test memorials for safety using a light, controlled hand‑pressure check. It’s careful, trained and respectful.

As Christians we honour these places because it holds memory, not because it holds the people we love. They are with God, held in peace beyond anything we can see.

We keep paths safe. We tend the space with love. And we let nature breathe where it has breathed for centuries to honour God’s creation.

11/08/2026

02/08/2026

“Once in your life you need a doctor, lawyer, policeman, or preacher - but every day, three times a day, you need a farmer.”
Brenda Schoepp

Our farmers are carrying a heavy load. The long dry spell has pushed crops and livestock to the edge, and the spread of Blue Tongue Virus in sheep and cattle is causing fear and strain across our rural communities.

In the Church of England we hold our farmers close in prayer, especially in times like these. These two prayers are used across the church when land, weather, and livestock are under pressure.

Perhaps you’d join us in praying them this week, for strength, for protection, and for the healing of our countryside.

26/07/2026

We were delighted to welcome The Right Reverend James Treasure, Bishop of St Germans, to the Saltash Regatta today.

Bishop James preached at the Saltash Churches Together service this morning, offering thoughtful encouragement for our shared life and witness. Afterwards he visited SS Nicholas and Faithto commission four Local Pastoral Ministers, praying for their ministries as they undertake this important work across our five parishes.

Later in the day he joined the crowds on the slipway to bless the Cardboard Boats ahead of their race — always a highlight of the Regatta — before taking part in the prize‑giving, celebrating the imagination, dedication and community spirit shown by so many.

We are grateful for his presence, his support, and the joy he brought to a wonderful day for Saltash.

24/07/2026

This Sunday we join with the other churches of the area in our annual Saltash Regatta service. It will be at 10:30am on Jubilee Green and this means there will be no service in our usual building. Come as Bishop James preaches and all the churches work together to create this great service.