Notices

Notices for the week beginning
27th April 

For further information about any of the items below, please email enquiries@templetaunton.uk

HOLY COMMUNION AT TEMPLE at 9.00 am:
Third Sunday of the month, followed by Iona style breakfast in the Hall.
STREAMED SERVICE at 9.30 am:
Each Sunday, taken by one of our other circuit worship leaders. Link here.
SUNDAY SERVICES AT TEMPLE at 10:30 am:
Every Sunday, with Holy Communion every first Sunday of the month.
CAKE & CONVERSATION at 5:00 pm in the hall:
Every second  Sunday of the month.
ZOOM WORSHIP at 6.30pm:
On a Sunday twice monthly. Contact enquiries@templetaunton.uk for details on joining in.

AFTERNOON CHOIR:
Tuesdays at 2:00pm in the hall.
ZOOM CIRCUIT BIBLE STUDY:
At 7.30pm 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month. Contact enquiries@templetaunton.uk for details on joining in.
ZOOM CIRCUIT PRAYER MEETING:
At 7.30pm 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month. Contact enquiries@templetaunton.uk for details on joining in.
PRAYER 45:
In the Chapel at 9:30am every 1st Wednesday of the month
and 7:30pm every 3rd Wednesday of the month.
POP-IN / COFFEE PLUS:
Every Wednesday at 10:30am.
Next on Wednesday 30th April. Join us for a drink and a chat.
This week's activity is Boccia.
MIDWEEK SERVICES:
Every Wednesday at 12:15pm in the chapel followed by a light lunch.
Next on Wednesday 30th April, led by Rev Anthony Huxtable.
CHURCH LUNCH:
Normally on the third Wednesday of the month 1:00pm in the hall.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON GROUP:
Meetings take place on third Thursday of each month at 2:30pm in the hall.
Next meeting on 15th May - AGM and next year's programme.

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND ANY EVENT IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF RESPIRATORY ILLNESS
AND WE WISH YOU A SPEEDY RECOVERY

ALSO SEE  Upcoming Services , Church Life Activities , Upcoming Events 

CHURCH NOTICES: The weekly notice sheet will continue to be produced and sent to anyone who would like a copy by email, as will the monthly Circuit Link magazine.  If you would like to be added to the mailing list or have items to be included, please contact Anne or Hazel Jordan.
CIRCUIT LINK: The monthly Circuit Link magazine will also continue to be produced and sent to anyone who would like a copy by email.  If you have items for the next magazine or would like to be added to the mailing list please contact Janet Dickinson.
PASTORAL TEAMS:  While we are unable to meet in person a new telephone contact list has been drawn up and circulated to keep us in touch.  Please contact Anne Jordan for more information.
HOME COMMUNION: For anyone who would wish to receive home communion please contact Anne Jordan or Rev. Deborah Kirk.
PRAYER GROUP: If you would like to be part of the group, please let Hazel Jordan have your email address to add to the group. When a prayer request comes in, it will be forwarded to the group for a prayer response.
CIRCUIT ADMINISTRATOR: Natalie Knight can be contacted at office@pilgrimpeople.co.uk.
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: Please note that although we cannot put personal details on the website, Church Family News can be found in the Notices distributed via email. If you wish to be added to the email list please contact Hazel Jordan.

FACEBOOK: You can follow us on facebook
YOUTUBE: Livestream services and previously streamed services can be found on our Youtube Channel
TAUNTON URC MONTHLY CHURCH MAGAZINE: A copy of the monthly URC magazine can be found here.
RESOURCES FOR HOME WORSHIP: See our This Week's Services , Prayer Page , and Home Worship pages. 

NOTICE

FOCUS

The month of Easter is on us. The spring flowers are bringing colour to the world and maybe we can bring a little colour and joy to friends and neighbours; a card or flowers at Easter; a smile or kind word. Like God we sometimes need to be cheered up!

EQUALITY DIVERSITY & INCLUSION (EDI) TRAINING: Churches are reminded that new stewards are among those required to complete this online training, details of which can be found here. Others required to do this training include ministers, local preachers & worship leaders, connexional officers, safeguarding officers, circuit stewards and lay workers. Please inform Elaine Dew when completed.
Please can you also check your Safeguarding Training is up-to-date - this should be renewed every four years. Ask Deborah or Carol Stowe for further information.

WORK-WISE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: All are welcome to attend the Work-Wise AGM on Wednesday 30th April, 7.30pm, at Temple Methodist Church.

VE DAY AFTERNOON TEA PARTY: Monday 5th May, in Lisieux Way Community Gardens, from 3-4 pm. We’ll provide seats, hot drinks and plates, please bring your own food)

DISTRICT SYNOD: The SW Peninsula District Representative Synod will take place in Plymouth Methodist Central Hall on Saturday 10th May, from 10.30am.

The encouragement is for Synod representatives to attend in person, however, it is recognised that this is not possible for everyone, so there is an opportunity to participate electronically, alongside others, via a 'Hub', one of which is in Temple Methodist Church.

If there is a vote to be taken at Synod, arrangements are in place for votes from Synod reps participating in this way to be included.

The hub is also available for anyone who is not a representative, but who would like to observe the worship, presentations and business of Synod. (Observers who are not reps are not eligible to vote.)

If you would like to participate via the Hub in Temple Methodist Church, please would you inform Jane Allin, our Synod Secretary or Deborah. Rev Peter Thomas has offered to be present in the Hub as the facilitator, and refreshments will be available.

CHRISTIAN AID COFFEE MORNING: Saturday 17th May from 10.30am. This will be held at the Taunton URC in Paul Street this year. Tony Bell has kindly offered to run the Book Stall for which contributions will be gratefully received and these may be left at Temple.
This event is a joint venture with Paul Street URC, St John’s and Temple in Christian Aid Week. Please come if you can!

AN INVITATION TO ROWBARTON AWAYDAYS: There are just a few spaces left on the Rowbarton Awaydays from Tuesday 20th May to Thursday 22nd May, and we would like to extend an invitation to friends at Temple. The venue will be the Padbrook Park Hotel, Cullompton, where we have always been made very welcome and pleased with how they have catered for us. Twenty rooms have been provisionally booked, two of which have disabled facilities.

For people in a double room or sharing a twin room - £213 pp. For people in single rooms - £253 per person This includes accommodation for the two nights, breakfasts, evening meals; tea, coffee and cakes when we arrive on the Tuesday afternoon, and tea, coffee and biscuits on both the Wednesday and Thursday mornings. The only extra that we need to pay for is for any food and drink that we may require in the middle of each day that we are there. Rev Deborah and Rev Annie will lead. Please let Merlyn Brown know if you are interested.

Faith Communities’ Response to Major Emergency Plan familiarisation days.

From fire to flooding or the risk of nuclear calamity to terrorist attack, the Avon & Somerset area is as vulnerable as any other part of the country. When disaster strikes there is a unique role for faith communities in the provision of care, comfort and support for victims. Tried and tested, the Avon and Somerset MEP exists to provide that response whenever and wherever it may be needed. Introductory days are held each year for potential volunteers to familiarise themselves with the plan and explore the various opportunities for involvement.

2025 dates:

Monday 12th May Wells, BA5 1FD
Thursday 22nd May Creech St Michael, TA3 5QQ
Monday 2nd June Portishead, BS20 8JJ
Monday 13th October Wells, BA5 1FD

There is no charge for the training but prior registration is essential. Please register here or contact allie.white@bathwells.anglican.org for more details.

Peter Thomas

3Generate 2025, 3 - 5 October at the NEC, Birmingham: 3Generate is an event for children and young people aged 4-18 includes various activities, workshops, and worship sessions designed to help young people explore their faith, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact in their communities. Our hope is that 3Generate will offer a wonderful opportunity to encounter God, gather together and be reminded of their vital place within the wider Methodist Church.
More information can be found here, or see Barbara

MONTHLY VIGILS FOR PEACE: Taunton Quakers extend an invitation to all people of faith and none to stand in silence on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 12.00 to 12.45 pm near the Tourist Information Office, to witness to our commitment to seek peace in the world.  

PRAYER 45: The 1st Wednesday of the month at 9.30am, and the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm, which may take the form of Compline. These times will be open to anyone and will initially be led by Deborah - (in time, those who come may like to lead). The time will be about 45 minutes, but you are free to come for as long or short a time as you are able, and if you come once, you will not be expected to come every time. During the time together we shall reflect on a portion or verse of scripture, then spend some time in prayer, silent or spoken. 

READERS NEEDED: We are looking for new people to add to our pool of people to read the Bible lessons on a Sunday. Please speak to Hazel Jordan if you are interested in reading on Sundays.

ORGANISTS: Does anybody know of any organist who might like to play at Temple for our Sunday worship services? I'm trying to uncover some new players who might like to play, either regularly or on an occasional basis. Fees and level of commitment negotiable. Please contact Kevin Rigg. Thank you, Kevin. 

TRANSPORT: We realise many people can no longer get to church easily but often feel they do not want to ask for lifts. Is there someone in the congregation who would be willing to coordinate, able and willing drivers to be available to give people lifts to church? If so, or you are willing to give lifts, please contact Anne Jordan.

TAUNTON FOODBANK APPEAL: Stocks are at their lowest for 7 years and over the last few months we have given out over a tonne and a half more food than has been donated. Please check the website . https://taunton.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/ to find out what food is needed. 

From Methodist News …

THE DEATH OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS: "Pope Francis was a man of deep Christian faith, clear conviction and prayer. His ministry extended beyond the Catholic Church as he sought to pray and work for the unity of all Christians." The Methodist Church in Britain received with deep sadness the news of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis and gives thanks for his life and Christian witness. Read reactions, reflections and prayers here.

ERIC GILL AND SURVIVORS OF ABUSE: In a ground-breaking initiative, members of the Methodist Survivors' Advisory Group have been instrumental in advising the Methodist Church on the future of a watercolour, Annunciation, which was created by the controversial sculptor, typographer and printmaker, Eric Gill, who sexually abused two of his daughters. The re-display of the Gill artwork is a co-curated project which will be on display with other works in an exhibition called It Takes a Village. The exhibition will run from 5th July 2025 to 1st February 2026. Read more here.

FLOODING CRISIS IN BOTSWANA: In February 2025, a cyclone hit Southern Africa. The heaviest rains in years caused catastrophic flooding, destroying many homes and businesses, churches, utilities, schools and public institutions. The Methodist Church in Britain, through its World Mission Fund, has supported the Methodist Church in Southern Africa’s emergency response with a grant of £15,000, as the Global Relationships Partnership Coordinator for Africa, Dr Andrew Ashdown, reports. Read more here.

MINISTER FOR FAITH VISITS PADIHAM ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, BURNLEY: The people of Padiham Road Methodist Church in Burnley were delighted to welcome the government Minister for Faith, Lord Wajid Khan, to their Good Friday Service. After the service, Lord Khan said that he had found the service and singing very moving. Read more about the visit here.

PRAYER REQUEST FOLLOWS BLASPHEMY DEATH SENTENCE: The Methodist Church in Britain has received an urgent prayer request following news that the death sentence has been given to one of the defendants, Pervaiz Kodu, in the Jaranwala blasphemy case. Two others were acquitted. The prayer request has come from the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), a partner organisation in Pakistan. Please keep Pervaiz Kodu, CLAAS and the ongoing court case in your prayers. In Pakistan, where Christianity is a minority faith, organisations like CLAAS defend the rights of those facing religious intolerance. The country's blasphemy laws often place minorities in precarious situations, leading to legal cases that require courage and resilience. Read more about the situation here.

CIRCUIT Round Up From December’s Meeting:

• PULSE roadshows: Area Mission Leads in our new District are delivering roadshows looking at current mission engagement and thinking about how new initiatives could be implemented. There will be three in Taunton at Temple on 14 February, 11 April and 13 June 2025 from 7 – 9.30 pm, everyone is invited to attend.

• Mission Plan: the CLT held an away-day in October to discuss the strengths and challenges for our Circuit’s mission linked to the Methodist Way of Life.

• Church partnerships: the CLT is looking at ways that North Curry and Middlezoy chapels can be supported in the future; it is proposed that North Curry be partnered with Lisieux Way, and Middlezoy with Bridgwater. The aim is that by September 2025 conversations between these churches will have been progressing and resolutions will be brought to the June Circuit Meeting to ratify.

• Growing relationships across Circuit boundaries: conversations will be held between our Circuit and South Petherton and Crewkerne Circuit with the view of a possible joining together of both Circuits. Our Circuit’s budget forward planning suggests that our own Circuit will only be able to finance 1 presbyter by 2027. The finances of the larger area should be able to finance 2 presbyters (or a combination of full time / part time presbyters and/or paid lay workers. We have seen and been blessed by the work that Ildiko Haraszti has done in the Circuit since she began her placement last year. The Circuit meeting voted unanimously on the following resolution: Resolve to build a closer relationship between the Taunton Deane & South Sedgemoor and the South Petherton & Crewkerne Methodist Circuits during 2025 and 2026 with a view to coming together by September 2026.

• Citizens Somerset: It was reported that there is quite a diverse membership which is good and groups from Chard are now increasingly involved. Citizens has a good relationship with the Police & Crime Commissioner as well as with local MPs. It will soon be 6 years since the Somerset Chapter was launched and an event to celebrate is being planned in March.

• MWiB: it was reported that churches would need to think about how to make their services dementia friendly.

• Safeguarding: the meeting was reminded of the need for safeguarding checks for anyone new with a post or responsibility in their church.

SWPD eNEWS:
In his letter in the September issue, district chair Rev Dr Dan Haylett comments on the start of the new enlarged district at a time when there has been a backdrop of unrest and violence over the summer. He talks about the need for the Church’s ministry of reconciliation, recalling words of Desmond Tutu “You are all children of God. Now go and live like it”.

Follow this link for more information about the Newsletter, or visit the SWPD website 

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT:
REV7 is officially OPEN! What is REV7? - it is a District NPNP (New Places for New People) initiative, which has inspired people across the area as a new way of ‘noticing’ God in our communities.

Friday 11th October 2024 marked the end of two years of visioning, prayerful preparation, thoughtful planning, funding, the bringing together of gifted individuals, the purchasing of products, and the beautiful furnishing and decorating the little space in Mutley Plain… to launch a ministry which is perfectly placed in this community to offer a place of welcome, hospitality, and transformation ‘of hair and hearts’ for God’s precious people, whoever they may be.

Reverend Darren Middleton welcomed representatives who gathered from the community, church and local businesses for the special occasion. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon cut the ribbon, before Darren thanked everyone who had supported the NPNP project since its conception. The vision is to provide great hair services in a relaxed, safe space, with openness and compassion.

Although this is a project ‘powered’ by the Methodist Church, there are many from all areas of the community who have been inspired by the vision and want to be part of it. The wonderful people who are working or volunteering at the salon, or supporting in other ways, all have one aim – to offer an inclusive and affirming welcome to everyone, and to foster a sense of dignity, self-worth and kindness throughout the community.

A ramp supplied has been by CityBus to provide accessibility for wheelchair users to the salon – just one more expression of support from the local businesses.

The salon’s paying customers will help to support hair, nail and footcare services for those who are facing economic or social challenges. REV7 is partnering with local charities such as Shekinah (Homeless Charity), Harbour (Drug and Substance Recovery), and The Little Sanctuary (working with female sex workers in the city), to ensure that those who need help the most are connected to its services. Two doors down the road is a Christian project called The Green Space and helpful connections are being made with the volunteers there. REV7 will also be working with the LGBTQIA+ Community and offering a safe space for the Trans Community.

The salon itself is as glamorous as you would expect, if you know Darren, and the thoughtful design details underline the ethos of welcome and the value of each individual. Mrs Mural’s amazing designs around the walls, gently point towards the presence of God in that special place. During the official opening Darren read the Hairdresser’s Prayer – you can listen to it here.

After the anointing of the door frame with oil from Lazarus’ Tomb on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, and the blessing of the basin with water from the Jordan River, the guests moved to The Green Space for refreshments.

If you are wondering how you can support this innovative and visionary mission to the marginalised people of Plymouth, how about booking for an appointment on Thursdays 10am-5pm or Friday 10am-8pm on 01752 992482 or through Rev7hair on socials. You will be helping the project to continue to offer its ministry of acceptance and love, and alongside the transformation of hair, the opportunity for God to transform hearts and lives. Deborah 

From Methodist Publishing ...

New Products
Bible Month Reading Guide 2025, The Gospel of John. Bible Month is an annual campaign that celebrates Scripture by inviting the whole Methodist Connexion to feast on one particular book of the Bible together. Split into 30 days of readings, with questions for reflection and space to make your own notes, the Daily Reading Guide equips and encourages you to read through the gospel of John in a month.
the connexion Cutting edge In this issue, you can read about a new faith-based hairdressers that’s welcoming, and sharing God’s love with, people who feel unable to go to an ordinary salon. There’s also news from a church that’s providing community members with warmth, food and company during the winter months, and a story about how a Methodist couple are expressing their faith through serving as foster parents.
Sunshine and Showers: The Bible's beautiful strangeness The Bible is beautiful: it contains wisdom, humour, great stories and deep comfort. But it is a strange book, and not necessarily easy to use. This is the reality of dealing with such a set of ancient texts, but sometimes it feels like we must be doing something wrong. This course aims to explore six of these paradoxes. It aims to encourage us to keep reading the Bible, and to resist the temptation to jump to one pole of the paradox or the other. Good news can appear when we embrace the mystery and give it space to breathe.
Easter Offering  Education for All, Hope for All  offers churches, circuits and districts a moment to consider how education transforms lives and communities, opening God’s promise of hope and fullness of life for all people.
A Methodist Way of Life Pocket Guide - Order here

Connexional Year 2024/2025 resources
Essential resources in the Methodist Church to fulfil Our Calling of responding to God’s love in Christ and living out its discipleship in worship and mission.

METHODIST PRAYER HANDBOOK: The 2024/2025 Prayer Handbook.
In her song of praise, the ‘Magnificat’ (Luke 1:46-55), Mary thanks God for the child Jesus, who will announce God’s kingdom which “brings down the powerful from their thrones and lifts up the lowly.”
To engage in God’s mission and be part of that transformation, we believe the Methodist Church is called to become an increasingly evangelistic, inclusive and justice-seeking Church.
Following the prophet Isaiah’s call, echoing through the ages to us and reflected in Mary’s prayer, the 2024/2025 Prayer Handbook focuses on how the Church can “learn to do right; seek justice and defend the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17a, NIV).

New releases from Methodist Publishing and other products of interest to Methodists can be found here.

The Methodist Church Learning Network 

The role of the Learning Network is to equip and resource the Church through a wide range of learning and development opportunities. The Learning Network works together connexionally, on national projects, and in regional teams, in delivering regional training and learning events. 

FREE TELEPHONE PRAYER AND NEWS

Prayers and news from the Methodist Church.

Listen to a prayer:   0808 281 2514

Listen to news:        0808 281 2478

Content is updated every Thursday afternoon.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND OTHER SCAMS

Please be aware that unfortunately in these uncertain and difficult times when we may be more vulnerable than normal, there are people who are taking advantage of our desire to communicate with one another via social media. Other routes used include cold calls on your phone, text messages or emails, and bogus websites. The following websites have advice on recognising and reporting scams, and what to do if you think you have fallen prey to a scam.

Recent scams include recorded messages purporting to be regarding misuse of your online shopping account or internet service. Please hang up immediately and use call blocking if you have it (1572). Others try to get bank account or card details by purporting to be from warranty firms for white goods extending your protection or warranty. Some are calls impersonating the NHS, well-known government organisations, or law enforcement agencies - these will not call by phone or text and will never ask for bank or card details.

If someone you don't know contacts you by phone, text, email, social media, or at your home unexpectedly
CHALLENGE - Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests that don’t feel right.
DECLINE - Do NOT respond to electronic messages by following links or recorded phone messages by pressing numbers. NEVER give out personal information such as bank details, bank card numbers, passport numbers, NHS numbers, National Insurance numbers or passwords.
CHECK - Only use official websites, postal addresses or phone numbers to contact people if you are unsure - do NOT use the contact details provided by those you are suspicious of.
REPORT - Let someone know. Especially if you believe you've become a victim of fraud, or you can stop someone else becoming a victim.

UK Government - Avoid and report internet scams and phishing

Citizens Advice - Check if something might be a scam

Age UK - Scams and fraud

National Cyber Security Centre:
If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge.

Action Fraud:
If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft, you should report this directly to Action Fraud either online; actionfraud.police.uk or via phone 0300 123 2040.

Crimestoppers:
If you have any information relating to vaccine fraud you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers COVID Fraud Hotline online; covidfraudhotline.org or phone 0800 587 5030.