Groups

We have several groups at Temple that meet regularly over the year offering talks and activities which are are open to all. For further information about any of our groups, please email enquiries@templetaunton.uk

Thursday Afternoon Group

Meet on the third Thursday each month at 2.30pm at Temple, open to everyone.
The AGM on 21 May was spent in discussion as to how we could continue, hopefully encouraging more people to attend the meetings. A new format was agreed to run for the next year: no set membership with ‘subs’; an open invitation to the whole church for each meeting “arranged BY but not exclusively for Thursday group”, with a light lunch being offered before three of the meetings to encourage members to join us, hopefully those new to the church as well as established members. Suggested speakers are always appreciated please contact Anne Jordan who would love to know your suggestions. 

 After a summer break we will restart our new programme in  October.
The first meeting at Temple will be on Thursday 15 October when Sheila Rudofsky will share memories of missionary work.

See Notices for details on upcoming events.

SALT (Socialising And Learning Together)

Organised trips and events throughout the year, open to everyone.
See Notices for details on upcoming events.

2026 Programme

March: Crafty Afternoon: Saturday 21st March 3-5:30pm. An afternoon making Easter crafts with light refreshments
April: Visit to Clark’s Shoe Museum, Street: Friday 7th April. With the possibility of a behind the scene tour
May: Visit to the Avalon Marshes Centre: Saturday 30th May. Including Avalon Archaeology reconstructions and neolithic Sweet Track
June: Boat trip and/or walk and cream tea: Saturday 13th June. Trip on the Duchess of Cocklemoor at Langport, combined with a walk on the Parrett Trail or Muchelney Pottery with cream tea.  The boat trip is now fully booked.
July: Guided  Tour of Hinkley Point: Wednesday 1st July at 1:45pm. Coach trip around the construction site. Necessary to pre-book and provide ID.
Games Afternoon and BBQ: (TBC) A relaxed afternoon in the garden with games and a BBQ
August: Cream Tea and Train Shed: Saturday 8th August. A visit to the Robertsons in the Brendon Hills
Visit to Children's Hospice South West: Monday 10th August.
September: Operation Christmas Child: Saturday 19th September. A soup and pudding evening followed by packing Christmas present boxes to be sent to children abroad
October: Temple Quiz Night: (TBC) A fun evening of quizzing at Temple
November: Wine Tasting: (TBC) An enjoyable evening trying different wines
December: Christmas Afternoon Tea: (TBC) The “traditional” afternoon tea before the Carol Service

2027 Programme

January: Next Slide Please… : An evening to bring and share your holiday photos
February: Planning Meeting

Methodist Women in Britain (MWiB)

National Website   Magnet magazine website 

The butterfly image used for MWiB represents aspects of our Christian belief

The life cycle of the butterfly has four distinct stages:

• The egg: Jesus still offers new life to all who believe in him.(John 3: 1 – 8)

• The caterpillar: As we feed on the Word of God we grow as disciples. (2 Timothy 3: 15 – 17)

• The chrysalis: Prayer is the powerhouse for the Christian who waits on the Lord. (Ephesians 3: 16)

• The butterfly: A symbol of resurrection, new life in Christ, freedom and perfection (2 Corinthians 5: 17)

The Story of the Butterfly. One day a young woman came across a chrysalis and saw that it was just beginning to open. She decided to help the emerging butterfly on its way and so prised open the chrysalis. The butterfly emerged but its wings could never function. It had needed the time of struggle in order for the wings to be fully formed. We are sometimes tempted to try and force God’s hand. In our impatience, we forget that we learn through perseverance.

Creator God, who delights in beauty and sees potential within each of us; we thank you for opportunities of a fresh start, a new beginning. We hunger for your Word, your life in us. We wait upon you now, trusting you to create in us the exquisite being you intend. Set us free to glorify your name. Amen

Update Sept 2026: We very much welcome the members of the new expanded Circuit.

Goody bags! I have enjoyed handing out 'welcome goody bags' to ladies in some of the churches in the old Crewkerne circuit, and look forward to doing the same for the other churches as we meet in the future. Please do get in touch if you would like more information.

District Day: Everyone is welcome to join us for our District Day on 11 November with Olive Ruzvidzo, the chair of MWiB, who arrived in this country as an asylum seeker, and has been a blessing to the church as a local preacher, among other things. 

MWiB Circuit Meeting: Our next Circuit Meeting will be on Monday 12 October, 2.00pm at Rowbarton Church, Taunton. All are welcome.

Cream Tea for SolarAid: Our cream tea [kindly hosted by Diana Oldham] in aid of SolarAid raised about £300, and the sunny afternoon in Diana's garden was much enjoyed. If you wish to receive a MWiB newsletter by email, please let me know. 

All are welcome.

Elaine Banks (Secretary, Circuit MWiB)

Walking Groups - Temple Trekkers and Temple Plodders

The Temple Trekkers usually meet most Monday mornings for a walk of between 5 and 7 miles. Recent walks have included a walk from Blue Anchor to Dunster (and back).
Lifts can be arranged if you fancy joining us now the weather is improving.

There is now a newer group – Temple Plodders – who walk a shorter distance (up to about 4 miles) and afterwards some members usually find a garden centre or tea room for a cup of coffee or a light lunch and continue the conversations.

All are welcome to walk with either group.

If this is something you might be interested in, have a word with Graham or Tony, or email enquiries@templetaunton.uk