THE 13 churches of the Northmoor Team Ministry are combining for one special service on Sunday November 25, to create a special Christmas pudding.

Sunday, November 25 is 'Stir-up' Sunday, traditionally when households prepare their Christmas puddings on the last Sunday before Advent.

At All Saints Parish Church, the Rt Rev Richard Hawkins will preside over a special service to celebrate the formation of The United Benefice of The Northmoor Team Ministry.

The Anglican churches of Belstone, Sticklepath, Bratton Clovelly, Bridestowe, Exbourne, Germansweek, Hatherleigh, Inwardleigh, Jacobstowe, Lydford, Meeth, Northlew, Sourton and Okehampton now operate together as one 'mission community'.

They support each other and share clergy, lay ministers and other resources including a pioneer minister who works throughout the area helping to establish new projects.

To symbolise the churches coming together, a representative of each parish will bring a different pudding ingredient to the church and during the service, these will be added to a large bowl.

Participants will be invited to stir-up the mixture as they return from the communion rail, and at the end of the service Bishop Hawkins will present each parish with a share of the mix to take away, bake, and distribute in their parishes.

At the end of the service, Bishop Hawkins will use the traditional prayer for Stir-up Sunday.

All are welcome to the service, which begins at All Saints at 10.30am.