Notices

Notices for the week beginning
14th June 

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.

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:
Every Wednesday at 10:30am.
Next on Wednesday 17th June. Join us for a drink and a chat.
MIDWEEK SERVICES:
Every Wednesday at 12:15pm followed by a light lunch.
Next on Wednesday 17th June led  by Rev Annie Deche
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.

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.

26 IN 26:  Our Church aims to be a just Church. There is a poster on a notice board in the hall, of 26 different ways the church can aim to achieve this. Please look at the notice and bring to a stewards attention, or Deborah's, any ideas you might have to help. Start simple by drawing up a list of the best things about the area in which you live. (see bottom left!)

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.

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.

SUNNY WEATHER:  The month of May was warm, dry and sunny and this has benefitted us through our 47 solar panels on the Temple roof.  Our electricity cost for May would have been £227 but because of the solar energy that we were able to generate, after using some ourselves, we fed back the excess into the National Grid and were credited £145.  We then needed to pay only the difference of £82!  Good news for the Temple Treasurer and Green Temple!

BIBLE STUDY:  The first in a series of 3 Bible studies on Philippians is on Monday 8th June at 7.30 pm at Temple.  Followed by Monday 22nd & 29th June.  Look out for copies of the daily reading guide in preparation for Bible month.

POP IN: At Pop-in this Wednesday 17th June the group will enjoy Kerling which is always a popular activity played seated. Please join us from 10.30am for coffee or tea and join the fun or just watch.

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: We celebrate our Church Anniversary on Sunday 14th June. The service will be led by David Thompson, with lunch afterwards. Tickets are now available from the stewards for the anniversary lunch. There is no charge for the tickets, but there will be a collection at the lunch for donations to cover cost of the food.  When you collect your tickets, please let the steward know if you have any dietary requirements. Donations of puddings would be very much appreciated, please speak to Sheila Robertson. 

CREAM TEA: You are invited to enjoy a cream tea at Rowbarton Methodist Church on Saturday 20th June at 3 pm in aid of World Mission and Mission in Britain. 

TEMPLE LITTER PICK: We are holding an early evening litter picking session on Thursday 25th June.  Meet at the church at 6 pm and grab a quick cup of tea or coffee and a piece of cake before setting off. We will return to the church by 7.30pm.  Litter pickers will be provided but bring your own strong gloves. For more information speak to Anne Jordan, Christine or Joanna.

THE 3-CHURCH PILGRAMAGE is arranged for Friday 26 June, meeting at the URC, Paul Street, Taunton, at 6:15 pm. (Parking possible on their car park accessed from the M&S car park.) The Pilgrimage will consist of a visit to St George's Roman Catholic Church, then on to the Baptist Church in Silver Street, and then down to the Unitarian Church in Mary Street. At each church there will be the opportunity to have the building explained in terms of ritual and belief. The walk will end with refreshments at either Temple or Paul Street URC. This is open to all, so please do join us. Tony Bell 

FILM NIGHT: The next film night will be on Friday 17th July when we will be showing the British comedy Mother’s Pride in which a grieving family who own a failing pub have their lives changed by brewing real ale and entering the Great British Beer Awards. 

ADVANCE NOTICE OF SALT+ SUMMER EVENTS:
Trip on the Duchess of Cocklemoor boat: We have booked a trip on the Duchess of Cocklemoor boat at Langport on Saturday 13th June at 2-00 pm. This is a small electric boat which will take a party of 12 on the river Parrett for a cruise of about an hour. If there are sufficient numbers there may be the possibility of a second group to follow afterwards. There is a cost of £5 per person for the boat trip. Picnic tables are nearby overlooking the river and a cream tea will be provided afterwards. If you are not keen on boats, there are pleasant walks beside the river (Parrett Trail) and then you could enjoy a cream tea afterwards with the sailors! Some transport can be provided. If you would like to book on this event speak to Graham or Janet. Advance booking is essential, and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Hinkley Point Construction Site visit: We have made a booking for a guided tour of the construction site of the new power station at Hinkley Point on Wednesday 1st July at 1-45pm. This is a coach operated by the construction company and again is part of the SALT+ programme but open to anyone. There will be security requirements including details of an identity document such as a passport to be provided in advance. There is no charge for this visit which includes a visit to the Visitor Centre. Numbers are limited but if you would like to be included in this event please speak to Graham or Janet. We will need to know numbers by the end of April at the latest.

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.

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 …

MHA SUNDAY: This annual event celebrates the work of MHA and ensures people “live later life well”. MHA is calling on churches to host special services this month to support their work and improve the wellbeing of older people. Downloadable resources are available providing ideas on how you can get involved, be it raising awareness of the work of MHA, praying for older people or raising much-needed funds. Everything you need is in the resource pack, including an order of service, videos and posters. Find out more and get your resources here.
METHODIST CHURCH SUBMITS COMPLAINT AGAINST HSBC: “As a justice-seeking Church, we believe there are moments when engagement must move beyond private dialogue and into formal accountability mechanisms. We have engaged extensively and constructively over many years, but there is understandable frustration when public commitments appear increasingly difficult to reconcile with ongoing financing activity that risks deepening harm.”
The Methodist Church in Britain and faith-based organisations from the UK, Ireland and Colombia, together with investment and ecumenical partners, have submitted a complaint concerning HSBC and its financial relationship with Glencore, the company operating the Cerrejón coal mine in La Guajira, Colombia. Read more here.
HENRY NOWAK: The Southampton District of the Methodist Church stands with the family of Henry Nowak in their grief and prays for them following the conviction of his murderer, and with the community following the recent disturbances. The district has released a statement. Read the statement here.
REFUGEE WEEK: “We need to challenge narratives that dehumanise.”
Recent events in Belfast will make the coming Refugee Week, Monday 15th to Sunday 21st June, all the more pertinent as we ensure the most vulnerable in our communities are protected. The Revd Richard Andrew, President of the Methodist Conference, and Matthew Forsyth, Vice-President, offer this reflection for Refugee Week. Read the reflection here.
HOW WE LOST THE WORLD CUP IN 1966: The connection to Methodism of one of the World Cup’s most intriguing episodes is little-known – six decades on from the strange series of events. It is a case almost stranger than fiction, involving a brazen thief, a ransom note, a police sting and a heroic Collie dog named Pickles. Read more here.
DAY OF OUTREACH – ECLIPSE 2026: “The key is to take this opportunity, a moment when people's openness to the divine might be elevated, to speak something of the love of Jesus – through actions and words – to the people we meet.” On 12th August, a solar eclipse will darken the skies across Western Europe in an event of awe and wonder. And the Methodist Church is supporting you to get involved with a Day of Outreach! Read more here. 

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

From Methodist Publishing ...

New Products
Our Church's Future Story This pack aims to give you the guidance and resources you need to develop a really useful growth plan for your church, circuit or new Christian community. The booklet explains what a growth plan is, what it should include, and how to go about creating it together. The card pack offers activities for you to use as you work on your plan as a church. The cards have been written for use by anyone in a leadership role, such as a steward, lay employee or minister. Growth planning involves the whole church and wider community, but a smaller group of people will need to lead the process. This could be the church stewards along with the minister and lay employees or, if you are creating a circuit growth plan, the Circuit Leadership Team. We suggest each member of the group has a copy of this pack.

the connexion So much more In issue 36, you can read about Bea Hulme, the Youth President, explaining why young people need encouragement, and Phoebe Parkin, a past Youth President bringing stories of hope from Colombia, where she helped young people learn media skills.

A Methodist Way of Life Pocket Guide - Order here

Connexional Year 2025/2026 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 2025/2026 Prayer Handbook.
Our Story, Our Song calls upon the Methodist people to join in a soul expedition deep into the heart of our calling, journeying afresh into the story of grace and the vocation that God has placed upon us – learning to live, work, pray and play in ways both true to our roots and open to the presence of God in the songs and stories of others.
Pray with Our Story, Our Song to discover A Shared Story, A Shared Harmony, A New Song, A New Chapter. Ideal for individual prayer, small groups or church devotions, this new-look Methodist Prayer Handbook offers a broader variety of prayers, greater accessibility, easy-to-use prayer prompts, guidance to form your own prayers, QR codes and links to related online content, as well as prayers for every day of the year together with the daily lectionary for the year.

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.