IT is a source of great satisfaction to the Parochial Church Council that Holy Cross Church (Crediton's Parish Church) is open every day of the year from around 8.30am to dusk.

Everyone is welcome to come in and we have visitors from near and far in this country and from abroad.

Some come to enjoy the history, architecture and surroundings while others want a quiet five minutes.

As demonstrated by the recent CreditonArtsAlive event, the church is there for the whole community, all the time – it’s not restricted to just those that come on a Sunday!

In the last 10 days of August, there are plenty of reasons to drop into the church and we would love for you to do so. We know that some locals and those that have moved to Crediton recently have never been inside – do come and see us! 

Pop-Up Bric-a-Brac Shop – daily from Monday, August 21 to Saturday, August 26 inclusive from 10am to 4pm in Holy Cross Church by kind permission of the Rector.

Anne Jerman has been running stalls to raise money for church funds for a number of years. Anne’s husband Bill thinks the amount of "stock" has got out of hand so it’s time for clear-out.

Everything will be at an absolute bargain price with kitchenalia, jewellery, pictures, ornaments, textiles, greetings cards and much more. Please spread the word and do pop-in to the pop-up and see what’s available.     

This is my Story – this photo portrait exhibition about faith is touring churches and schools across Devon and will be at Holy Cross Church from Tuesday, August 22 until Sunday, August 27.

The exhibition features a series of portraits by photographer Huw Ryden.

Alongside each portrait is the subject’s faith story in their own words. The aim is to share the living faith stories of Christians from all walks of life from across Devon. It prompts us to think more about our own faith and how our beliefs, whatever they are, have shaped our lives.

Heritage Open Day – Saturday, August 26 in Holy Cross Church from 10am to 4pm.

Tours of the church and churchyard, displays, archive material, guide to the church’s stained glass windows, information on those remembered in the World War Two memorial book. DVDs to view for those with mobility difficulties.

The Holy Cross choir will sing between 11am and 12noon, there will be organ playing at 12.45pm and 2pm and to end the day, Etchechuria (Beth and Jack Robson) will perform between 3pm and 4pm. Refreshments available.

Come and learn more about this historic church "peculiar", owned by the 12 members of the Church Corporation on behalf of the townspeople since the 15th Century. 

Mission Community (Church) Health Check – we’re also planning to launch the Health Check at the Heritage Open Day.

The aim of the Health Check is to use an online survey (available on paper for those that need it) to highlight where the church is flourishing, and where some support or thought might be beneficial.

It uses two separate surveys - 1) for the church and 2) for the local community, aiming to hold a mirror up to the work that we do, and the community that we are.

The process is intended to be a wholly positive and helpful experience but Holy Cross needs to be open to the opinions, ideas and challenges that the Health Check might present. The plan is that details of how to take part in the survey online – and paper copies – will be available at the Heritage Open Day.

All  four events coincide on one day – Saturday, August 26 – so if you only have a day to spare, that’s the one to come and see us – we look forward to welcoming you!

For more information about any of these events, please telephone myself, Anne Jerman on 01363 772865 or email: [email protected] .

Anne Jerman