Notices

Notices for the week beginning
11th October 

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:
Normally every second  Sunday of the month. Next is in October.
ZOOM WORSHIP at 6.30pm:
On a Sunday twice monthly. Contact enquiries@templetaunton.uk for details on joining in.

TEMPLE TREKKERS:
(5-7 miles) continue to walk on Monday mornings and enjoy fellowship together.
Contact Graham or Tony for information about future walks. All are very welcome!
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:
Normally every Wednesday at 10:30am.
Next on Wednesday 14th October. Join us for a drink and a chat.
MIDWEEK SERVICES:
Normally every Wednesday at 12:15pm followed by a light lunch.
Next on Wednesday 14th October, led by Susan Parker.
CHURCH LUNCH:
Normally on the third Wednesday of the month 1:00pm in the hall.
CRAFT GROUP:
The craft group meets on the third Wednesday of the month from 2.30pm until 4.30pm.
There is also a second Craft Group, which will be on the first  Monday of the month from 2.00pm until 4.00pm.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON GROUP:
Meetings take place on third Thursday of each month at 2:30pm in the hall from September to May. The first meeting at Temple will be on Thursday 15 October when Sheila Rudofsky will share memories of missionary work

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: If you would like to receive the Weekly Notices by email please contact Hazel Jordan.
CIRCUIT LINK: If you would like to receive the monthly Circuit Link by email please contact Janet Dickinson.
PASTORAL TEAMS:  Please contact Anne Jordan or Rev Deborah Kirk with any pastoral concerns.
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 Worship Resources pages. 

CAR PARKING:
Parking immediately outside the church on Upper High Street is prohibited Monday - Saturday at any time including Bank Holidays except for statutory exemptions.
In the evening from 6pm free roadside parking is available on The Crescent and the nearby Crescent and High Street (lower level only) car parks. Please see signage for details.
At other times please use the meter paid parking bays on The Crescent, or alternatively The Crescent, High Street or Orchard and other pay and display car parks. Currently parking is free on Sunday though this is under review by Somerset Council.

TEMPLE GIFT DAY:  The Link magazine for October is available for distribution today and included with this is a letter for Gift Day from Rev Deborah and our Treasurer, Graham Dickinson. The letter explains that a well-supported Gift Day is vital for our church's financial stability. If you have not seen the letter, there are some available in the vestibule and an envelope is attached to the letter for your gift, should you wish to make one.  This may be placed on the offertory plate in the coming several weeks and will find its way unopened to the Treasurer.  Many thanks for your continuing support of Temple, Graham Dickinson 

POP-IN: The Pop-in activity this Wednesday 14th October is tabletop games. Tea or coffee is  available as usual from 10.30am and lunch is about 12.50pm, following the mid-week service.

THURSDAY AFTERNOON GROUP: This group meets at 2.30pm in Room 1, usually once a month. Everyone is invited to join the meeting.
The speaker at Thursday group on Thursday 15th October is Sheila Rudofsky sharing her memories of missionary work. This begins at 2.30pm in Room 1. HOWEVER a light lunch is offered (soup ,roll and pudding) from 1pm in the Friendship Cafe. If you wish to join us for lunch please let Anne Jordan know by Tuesday. 

LITTER PICKING: Please join us for our second litter picking session on Thursday 22 October 2026. Meet at Temple Methodist Church (TA1 3PY) at 2.15pm. Litter pickers will be provided, but bring a pair of strong gloves. We aim to return to the church by 3.45pm for hot drinks and cake. For more information contact: greentemple@templetaunton.uk

LET'S FACE IT EXHIBITION is coming to Temple, Taunton!

This is an initiative supported by our SW Methodist District and is a powerful interactive exhibition, using audio and installations which invite visitors to engage with some of the realities of those who face Homelessness and Housing instability.
The Exhibition will be hosted by Temple, and begins with a Concert from 'The Night Pianist' - Rhys Wynn Jones, beginning at 7.30pm on Friday 16th October.
The Exhibition will then be open from Saturday 17th October through to the following Thursday 22nd October, with timed slots throughout the days.
You can see a youtube clip of the Exhibition at one of our District Churches here, and a news item here.

We are looking for volunteers from across the Heart of Wessex Circuit to greet and interact with visitors, and help host the space.
If you would like to offer for one or more of the time slots, please would you pass your name to Kevin Rigg as soon as possible please, so that a rota can be compiled.
Times of opening for the Exhibition – 3 hour slots:
Sat 17th 10 am – 1 pm, 1 pm-4 pm
Sun 18th 10 am – 1 pm, 1 pm-4 pm
Mon 19th 10 am – 1 pm, 1 pm-4 pm, 4 pm – 7 pm
Tues 20th 10 am – 1 pm, 1 pm-4 pm
Wed 21st 10 am – 1 pm, 1 pm-4 pm, 4 pm – 7 pm
Thurs 22nd 10 am – 1 pm, 1 pm-4 pm

This promises to be a really important Exhibition, and we are delighted to be able to host it in Taunton.
Thank you for your interest, and for your support.

BOOK EVENT:  Rev Bruce Thompson will talking about his new book, No Ordinary Neighbour - conversations with one of the last surviving members of Hitler's SS, at Brendon Books CIC on Friday 30th October at 7.00 pm.  Tickets are available here.

ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR ALL SOUL’S at Rowbarton methodist Church on Sunday 1st November, 6.30 pm.  An opportunity for us to remember a loved one, particularly but not only, those who have dies in the past year.  If you would like a special person’s name read out who has died in a previous year please send their name and year of passing to Deborah to be included in the service.

METHODIST PRAYER HANDBOOK: The Prayer Handbook provides a selection of prayers for each day of the year together with the daily readings. The 26/27 edition takes as its theme the sorrows and joys of our lives, churches and communities across the world. If you have previously ordered a copy I will automatically order the new standard A5 edition for you. If you have not had a copy before and would like one or wish to change your order please get in touch with Kevin Rigg. Cost will be £4.50 each.

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. 

HELP WITH COMMUNION:  Could you help with preparing or stewarding Communion?

1st  Sunday: Set up and clear the table or guide people to the rail.

3rd Sunday (9am): Set up and clear afterwards.

To volunteer, please speak to Hazel Jordan.

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.

COFFEE DUTY:  There have been occasions when no one has signed up to do coffee after the morning service on Sunday. It is not always possible for someone to just step in at the last moment so be warned that on such occasions there will be no coffee available.

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 …

3GENERATE – THE METHODIST CHURCH IN BRITAIN'S ANNUAL YOUTH ASSEMBLY 

Last weekend 1,800 young people, alongside 500 group leaders and 350 volunteers, gathered at the NEC Birmingham for faith, fun and worship at 3Generate, the Methodist Children and Youth Assembly.  Watch and download the highlights video here.  Read more about 3Generate 2026 here. 

CHURCHES PILOT NEW CARBON FOOTPRINT TOOL: 

A groundbreaking new Methodist Church pilot scheme will allow churches to track their carbon emissions as the Church moves towards a net zero future.  Read more here.

NATIONAL CADETS WEEK:  This week is the inaugural National Cadets Week. To mark the event, two Methodist Cadet Force chaplains highlight the importance of their work and invite others to join them. 

Watch the video.  Read more about Cadet chaplaincy in the Methodist Church

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS:  World Mental Health Day takes place on Saturday 10th October. To mark this, we share a prayer from the Revd Stephen Normanton, a Methodist minister and founder of the mental health support charity PeerTalk.  Read the prayer here.

EUROPEAN METHODIST LECTURE PROGRAMME:  'Blessed are the Peacemakers? Struggling for Peace in Uncertain Times' is the theme for the European Methodist Lecture Programme which starts on 13 October. The lectures explore a variety of themes including reconciliation, democracy and frameworks for peace.   You will need to create an account and then register for the lectures.  More information and instructions here.

FOLLOWING JESUS IN AN AGE OF ‘US VERSUS THEM’:  What does it mean to love our neighbours in a time of division?  The Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT), Christian Aid and the Fellowship of Reconciliation are working with Better Story to host ‘Love Thy Neighbour’, an event on Saturday 24th October in London, to reflect on polarisation and the growth in xenophobic nationalism.  Find out more and book tickets.

BABY LOSS AWARENESS WEEK:  The Baby Loss Alliance begins its annual campaign on 9th October to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss, the importance of bereavement support and of the vital work that is needed to improve pregnancy outcomes.  We share a prayer from Anna Malnutt, Community Development Coordinator at Thrum Hall Methodist Church, Rochdale, and Deputy Chair of the Methodist Church’s Connexional Council.  Read the prayer here.  Find more information on the Baby Loss Awareness Week website.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH:  "We are all children of God."
'Honouring our Communities’ is the theme of Black History Month. It celebrates the contributions of Black people in Britain and reflects on past injustices. The post-World War Two workforce shortage led to people from the Caribbean being invited to fill the gaps. Norman Mullings, a member of Harlesden Methodist Church, shares his experience of arriving from Jamaica in 1958.  Watch the video here.

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

From Methodist Publishing ...

New Products

Methodist Prayer Handbook 2026/2027
See below

On The Way
Journal for participants on a new short course creating space to pause, reflect, and explore life’s deeper questions together. It invites honest conversation, shared spiritual practices, and personal growth in community.

A Methodist Way of Life Pocket Guide - Order here

Connexional Year 2026/2027 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 2026/2027 Prayer Handbook.
"Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy.” John 16:20

Our prayers share in the sorrows and joys of our lives, churches and communities across this world.
For 2026/2027, the words Sorrow and Joy are chosen like grid references on a map, compass bearings. As with many paradoxical word phrases – faith and doubt, life and death, light and darkness, noise and silence – ‘sorrow’ and ‘joy’ are like ingredients mixed and baked in a batch of bread, blended and distilled, creating the unique flavours of our lives.

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

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Listen to a prayer:   0808 281 2514

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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.