Group Profile

Contact Details

Convenor: Mike Dennis
Location: Tavistock
Phone: 01822 618142

About Us

For many years Tavistock PCN met under the title of Tuesday Topics but we are currently experimenting with Wednesdays and are therefore operating under the title of Midweek Topics. We affiliated as a group to PCN Britain in May 2014 but have been in existence for several years.

We meet to discuss matters of faith, to watch challenging films about current affairs, to learn from DVDs of well known progressive thinkers, and occasionally have 'live' speakers!

As well as from the United Reformed Church, other attendees have come from the Church of England, Quakers and the Methodist Church but we are also keen to welcome those who have been disengaged with any church and want to know how we can still be involved in a church. Attendance at a church or any belief is not a requirement - indeed all are welcome!

Venue & Meeting Times

We are currently meeting monthly on either a Tuesday or a Wednesday evening from 7.30 - 9.15 in Tavistock United Reformed Church, Russell Street, Tavistock, PL19 8BD

Group History

Tavistock URC used to have a Bible Study group meeting weekly for many years. Attendance was small and eventually the group closed. About 5 years ago a few members wanted to start it again. So a varied programme was devised including: film evenings, lectures and courses on DVDs, fish & chip suppers, learning and singing new hymns/songs especially those from the Iona Community. Our programme has been advertised in the local press and people from other churches have been made welcome.

In May 2014 Tavistock URC accepted the 8 points of PCN and it was agreed to affiliate Tuesday Topics to PCN. We are hoping to attract more 'progressives' through the PCN website.

Today there are about a dozen people who come from time to time although some of our soeaker evenings have attracted attendances of 50+.

We used to hold an annual a day conference. In 2014 Revd Martin Camroux spoke on 'Is religion Dangerous?' 34 attended. In 2015 we were privileged to have Sheikh Bakari Saleh Arabi - the Immam from the Piety Centre in Plymouth and his colleagues Hichem Cheraga & Mohammed Abu Muganzi to share the Muslim faith under the title of 'The Jesus Fatwah - Love your Muslim neighbour.' This annual conference is something that we are hoping to re-establish.

Rev Roger Cornish acted as convenor until July 2017 when he handed over the reins to Mike Dennis

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