Notices

Notices for the week beginning
8th March 

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 11th March. Join us for a drink and a chat.
MIDWEEK SERVICES:
Every Wednesday at 12:15pm followed by a light lunch.
Next on Wednesday 11th March led by Sue 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.
The next meeting will be on Thursday 20th March with a talk by Dick Atkinson.

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 Home Worship 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!)

CRAFT GROUP: The craft group meets on the third Wednesday of the month from 2.30pm until 4.30pm. Most people knit and crochet but there are also some sewers. Over the past few years they have made a great variety of things for the Church, from 108 pew cushions for the gallery; things for the craft fair, banners, Christmas decorations, a flower arch and a Christmas tree. For charity- knitted patchwork blankets, sewn quilts, beanies, bonnets for newborn babies, doorstops, Dachshund draught excluders etc.
We are now starting a second Craft Group, which will be on the first  Monday of the month from 2.00pm until 4.00pm, the first meeting will be on the 2nd of March.
All are welcome, we would love to see you and please bring any ideas for projects.

SALT+ EVENTS for 2026: See the Groups Page for the programme of events for 2026 organised by SALT+

POP IN: Pop-in this Wednesday 11th March is the popular game of kerling but for the less active the coffee and chat time can continue until the mid-week service begins at 12.15pm. A light lunch follows this at about 12.45pm. 

LENT STUDY  EVENINGS:  The 3 churches of St John's, Taunton URC, and Temple Methodist, are holding our joint Lent evenings over the next few weeks, on Thursday 12th, Thursday 19th, and Thursday 26th March, all at 7pm.  The sessions will be held solely on zoom this year.  The theme for the 3 sessions is 'Threads of Holiness' for the leader to interpret as they wish.   Clare will lead our first evening on 12th, and she asks that people either have their favourite garment with them, or a photograph, or a memory of it.  See the paper copy of the notices for the zoom link for all 3 evenings.

SAFARI MEAL CHANGE OF DATE: The next joint circuit Safari Meal will be held on Saturday 14th March, at Pawlett for coffee; Bridgwater for soup and Kingsbury Episcopi for dessert. Please do put this in your diaries and regard it as an opportunity to meet old friends and new.

INDUCTION OF QUEEN'S COLLEGE CHAPLAIN: The service at Temple on Sunday 8th March will be led by the Chair of our District, Rev Dr Dan Haylett, and will include the induction of the Chaplain of Queen’s College, Rev Joe Hayward.

THE BIG PLASTIC COUNT 9th -15th MARCH 2026:  Join the UK’s biggest people-powered investigation into plastic waste by counting your plastic for one week from 9 to 15 March and help to reveal the scale of the UK’s plastic problem. By taking part in The Big Plastic Count, you will help gather important evidence to show the true scale of the crisis – and to influence the government to act to reduce the use of plastic. 

All you need to do is to count your plastic waste for a week and keep a record, daily or for the whole week, and submit your results by 22nd  March. The easiest way to do this is to sign up online at https://thebigplasticcount.com/  

Alternatively pick up a 'How to' and counting leaflet from the church entrance and return your results to the church by 22nd March. See Christine if you want more information about this.

EASTER CRAFT AFTERNOON:  Adults and children are invited to an afternoon making Easter themed crafts on Saturday 21st March from 3-5.30 pm in the Hall.  Tea and cake will also be served.  A SALT Plus organised event. 

FILM NIGHT:  Due to a scheduling conflict film night is now on Friday 27th March, 6.30 pm for pizza and pudding followed by the film at 7.30 pm.  This month’s film is "Nonnas" a heartwarming 2025 biographical comedy-drama about a man opening an Italian restaurant staffed entirely by grandmothers. 

A VISIT TO THE SHOE MUSEUM AT CLARK'S VILLAGE: Street and behind the scenes archive tour on Friday 17th April in the afternoon.  The museum has reopened providing fully accessibly displays and cafe. The cost is £12 for the archive tour (groups of 8) and £12 for museum entry (valid for 1 year).  Please contact Sheila Robertson for further details and to register interest.  A SALT Plus organised event.

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:  The annual quiz in aid of Christian Aid will be on Saturday 16th May, 7pm at Bridgwater Methodist Church .  See you there!

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 PRESIDENT SHARES HIS STORY FOR PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: 

To mark Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Richard Andrew, has released a powerful video sharing the story of his recent cancer diagnosis, his treatment and how his faith has sustained him throughout.  Watch the video here.

STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST:  “We note and share in the grave concern expressed by the World Council of Churches regarding the widening hostilities across the Middle East and the dangerous escalation of violence that is fuelling a spiral of retaliation.”  The Global Relationships team shares a statement on the situation in the Middle East, along with a prayer for Iran from a member of the Methodist Farsi‑speaking community.   Read the statement and prayer.

REFLECTION FROM PALESTINE ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST:  “Night after night, emergency alarms wake us from broken sleep. Children cry in fear, parents rush to gather them, and neighbours come together to find the safest place in the building – often in stairwells, because there are no proper shelters. We sleep in our clothes, ready to run at a moment’s notice.”  A Palestinian Christian living just outside Bethlehem describes what life has been like in Palestine over the past five days.  Read the reflection here.

STANDING WITH HAITI

Up to a million Haitians are facing displacement and the devastating impacts of gang violence creating a severe crisis in education, health and food security across the island. A new film has been released as part of our Voices for Haiti campaign to support the Methodist District in prayer.  Watch the film here.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY:  Deacon Michelle Legumi, Deputy Warden of the Methodist Diaconal Order, has written this prayer for International Women’s Day (IWD) on Monday 8th  March.  Read the prayer 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.