THE Bishop of Exeter has launched this year’s St Boniface Awards to honour people in Devon’s church communities who have gone above and beyond to “serve with joy” in the county’s churches, church schools and the wider community.
Bishop Robert said he would particularly like to see people being nominated who have been working hard to make a difference during the pandemic.
He said: “The pandemic has been a traumatic time for individuals, families and communities everywhere.
“Here in Devon we have a golden opportunity this spring, through the annual St Boniface Awards, to honour those who have gone the second mile in reaching out to their neighbour.
“Our unsung heroes deserve to be celebrated. Help us to recognise and thank them.”
The annual awards, named after Devon’s patron saint, were launched in 2019 but cancelled last year due to the pandemic.
Winners will be admitted to the Company of St Boniface and invited to receive a special St Boniface medal from Bishop Robert at a service at Exeter Cathedral on June 19 (depending on Covid restrictions).
Nominees need to be worshipping members of an Anglican church or connected to a Church of England School. There is no upper or lower age limit.
People can be nominated for:
• Making a difference in their church community or field of “ministry”
• Serving the wider community with joy
• Offering exceptional support or care during the Covid-19 pandemic
• Long-term voluntary service within the church
• Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Changing things, with an emphasis on achievement
• Improving life for people less able to help themselves
• Displaying moral courage and vision in making and delivering tough choices.
The Rev Prebendary James Grier, Mission Enabler for the Diocese of Exeter, said: “There are so many people from churches right across Devon who serve faithfully and sacrificially in normal times and all the more so in times of crisis.
“They do so as part of the outworking of their Christian faith and with no expectation of recognition or reward.
“They simply love in response to their experience of Christ’s love in their own lives.
“The St Boniface Awards offer a wonderful way for us to acknowledge the wonderful work of some individuals and the impact on their communities.
“It is also an opportunity to express our immense gratitude.”
The St Boniface nominations process closes on Tuesday, April 6.
You can download a nomination form here: https://exeter.anglican.org/who-we-are/company-of-st-boniface/ .