Notices
Please note church services and group activities will be operating in line with Methodist Church and Government guidance during the coronavirus outbreak to reduce the risk of infection.
Notices for the week beginning 26th June
For further information about any of the items below, please email enquiries@templetaunton.uk
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Posted on the TDSS Circuit website , written weekly by one of our local preachers.
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 Rev. Deborah Kirk, Rev Tony Cox or one of our other circuit worship leaders (link here).
SUNDAY SERVICES AT TEMPLE: Every Sunday at 10:30am.
ZOOM MEETING at 6.30pm: on a Sunday twice monthly, taken by Rev Chris Brown and Rev Peter Thomas. Contact Chris chris@revbrown.co.uk for details on joining in.
AFTERNOON CHOIR: Tuesday's at 2:00pm in the hall.
ZOOM BIBLE STUDY: at 7.30pm each Tuesday. Contact Chris chris@revbrown.co.uk for details on joining in.
METHODIST WOMEN IN BRITAIN: “SECOND WEDNESDAYS”
The District Group are holding "Zoom" monthly coffee mornings - a mixture of chat and information online, we hope! If you are able to join us for 10.30 on the second Wednesday of each month, contact Anne Browse or Elaine Banks for more information.
POP-IN: Fortnightly alternating with COFFEE-PLUS.
Next on Wednesday 29th June at 10:30am. Board Games.
COFFEE-PLUS: Fortnightly alternating with POP-IN.
Next on Wednesday 6th July at 10:30am
MIDWEEK SERVICES: Every Wednesday at 12:15pm in the chapel followed by a light lunch.
CHURCH LUNCH: Normally on the third Wednesday of the month 1:00pm in the hall.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON GROUP (VIVARY & MEN'S FORUM):
Normally meetings take place on third Thursday of each month at 2:30pm in the hall.
The next meeting will be in September.
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND ANY EVENT IF YOU HAVE ANY COVID SYMPTOMS
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
CIRCUIT ADMINISTRATOR: Natalie Knight can be contacted at office@pilgrimpeople.org.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
SITUATION IN UKRAINE & EMERGENCY APPEALS:
There will be a 'prayer station' set up in Temple from Wednesday to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia.
Following recent collections for the Ukraine appeal we have been able to send a cheque for £556. Thank you.
Prayers for Ukraine
Statement on Ukraine from the Methodist Presidency
ALL WE CAN and the Methodist Church in Britain have launched an emergency appeal in response to events unfolding in Ukraine. As communities face violence, upheaval, and the trauma of war, your urgent support is needed. Working together with the Global Relationships Team of the Methodist Church in Britain, donations will be used to support the response to the crisis unfolding in Ukraine, and ensure that critical humanitarian assistance is available to those who need it. https://www.allwecan.org.uk/donations/ukraine/
The DISASTERS EMERGENCY COMMITTEE have launched a Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal for families fleeing the conflict having left their homes with only the items they were able to carry. Funds are needed to help provide food, water, shelter, healthcare and protection. At Ukraine’s borders with Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova, huge numbers of people are arriving with only what they can carry. In many places there are long waits to cross and scant facilities waiting for them on the other side, with temperatures dropping below freezing overnight. Donations can be made at https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
UNICEF is rapidly scaling up its multi-sectoral response to the increasing humanitarian needs in Ukraine and among refugees in neighbouring countries. Ensuring the protection and well-being of women and children is central to UNICEF's response efforts. Multi-purpose cash transfers will be undertaken to support vulnerable households with children. UNICEF will also provide safe water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as the resumption of primary health care and nutrition services and will work to enroll displaced children in local education programmes. Donations can be made at https://www.unicef.org/appeals/ukraine
TEMPLE CHURCH ANNIVERSARY AND GIFT DAY:
We are looking forward to welcoming Rev Stephen Mares (former Superintendent Minister) back to Temple to lead our Church Anniversary celebration on Sunday 26th June, followed by lunch in the hall (please obtain tickets from one of the stewards). The Anniversary will coincide with our Gift Day towards replacing part of the Temple roof and in preparation for this we will send out letters and pledge cards during this coming week, with the suggestion that these be returned at the Anniversary Service.
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY LUNCH:
Come and share in the Church Anniversary Lunch on Sunday 26th June at 1pm in the hall. Tickets are available from church stewards. There is no charge for the lunch but donations are welcomed in aid of the Church Roof Fund.
FAREWELL SERVICE FOR REV CHRIS BROWN:
A Farewell Service and Tea for our superintendent minister, Rev Chris Brown, will be held at Bridgwater Methodist Church on Sunday 24th July at 6.30pm, preceded by tea. More details will be available soon. Chris is leaving the Circuit after 12 years and will be moving to Tavistock, as superintendent minister.
COLLECTION FOR REV CHRIS BROWN:
A presentation will be made to Rev Chris Brown at his farewell tea. If you would like to make a contribution, please place your donation in the offertory bowl in an envelope marked Rev Chris Brown by Sunday 10th July. Very many thanks.
TEMPLE ROOF REPLACEMENT:
You will recall that the front section of roof at Temple is leaking and the artificial slates used in the past are porous and unfortunately need replacing. We plan at the same time to install insulation as there is none at present and also hope to include some solar panels as the direction of roof is ideal for this. This will help Temple reduce our impact on climate change and will also help reduce future energy bills.
We will be applying for grants towards the cost of this work but need to make a contribution ourselves of around 50% of the cost. Unfortunately these are major and expensive works which are essential to our future as a church and we need to raise around £80,000. A letter will be sent out in early June to all our members asking for support. We will use our Church Anniversary on 26th June to ask for pledges of support over 2 years. When you receive a letter and more details about the scheme, could you please carefully consider if you can help support in meeting the cost of this essential work. Thank you. Graham Dickinson (Temple Treasurer)
FILM NIGHT:
The next film night is Friday 1st July. Pizza at 6.30 pm followed by the film, The Dish, a quirky view of a remote Australian community which plays a key role in the first Apollo moon landing. Please let Hazel Jordan know if you would like to come. You are welcome to come just for the film (7.30 pm start). A further film night is booked for Friday 9th September.
PILGRIM WALK:
Meeting at Holford Car Park on Monday 4th July at 10am, aiming to finish around 2pm. Everyone is welcome - feel free to bring a friend. It is always helpful to have an email from those wanting to come so I can cancel at late notice if the weather is going to be too bad. Chris Brown
SALT VISIT TO DARTMOUTH:
Saturday 9th July, Graham and Janet Dickinson are co-ordinating a visit to Dartmouth for a trip on the Kingswear Castle paddlesteamer for those who wish to spend some time on the water. Look out in the weekly notice sheet for more details of this afternoon trip nearer the time.
VISIT TO WELLS:
Saturday 23rd July SALT visit to Wells. If you would like to visit the Bishops Palace or do the Cathedral High Places tour, or just join us for a day in Wells, please can you let Sheila Robertson know, so advance tickets can be booked. I would like to finalise numbers by 30th June. Transport to be arranged nearer the time. Cost for High Places Tour is £15 and Bishops Palace is £16.
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:
On Saturday 23rd July, 3pm to 5pm there will be cream teas and a Bring & Buy stall, at home of Diana Oldham. Funds raised will go to All We Can and repairing the roof at Temple. (All We Can is the Methodist relief and development fund).
Diana Oldham.
CHURCH PICNIC AND GAMES:
You are invited on Saturday 6th August, 2.00 PM onwards with Chris & Alison Mitchell at their home, for a bring and share picnic and to enjoy time together playing garden games. Please contact Chris or Alison to confirm numbers, directions, etc.
TRAIN AS A DEBT ADVISOR:
Many people experience financial difficulties at some point in their life, but however bad the situation might be, there are always steps that can be taken to make things better. As a Debt Adviser it is a very special privilege to walk with someone as they transition from being in financial difficulties into freedom from debt. Taunton Area Debt Advice is a Christian Charity with a team of trained FCA approved volunteer debt advisors. We aim to take the burden off the shoulders of clients and provide them with a plan, make arrangements and negotiate agreements. We provide hope. We are increasing our team of Debt Advisers as we see a rise in the number of people in financial difficulty. You will receive training and supervision and we ask that you are in agreement with the ethos of this Christian Ministry. Interested? Contact Steven Reed for an initial discussion.
ADVANCED SAFEGUARDING MODULE:
On Tuesday 16th August at South Molton Methodist Church from 10am to 4pm led by Revd Julian Albrow. Arrivals from 9.30am, people will need to bring their own lunches or get something in the town. If you would like to book a place on the course, please email your bookings to Stuart Innalls with your address by 5th August at the latest but earlier if possible so that workbooks can be sent out in advance of the day. Please be advised that places are limited.
ONE WORLD -LOCAL AND GLOBAL- CONFERENCE:
Caught between Religion and Politics- Truth against power in a justice-led global church. 30th September- 2nd October 2022 at Ammerdown Centre nr. Bath BA3 5SW. Residential and day tickets are still available. Contact Jo Sevens or Audrey Standhaft.
WHAT'S IN THE BIBLE?
During recent times we have done all sorts of things online - one of those has been a Circuit Bible Study. Each week we have watched a short cartoon video on a particular Book of The Bible and then have a discussion. We have worked our way all the way from Genesis to 2 Thessalonians - and still have another 12 books to go. We meet on Tuesdays (except school holidays) at 7.30 for an hour. Everyone is welcome - simply e-mail Chris Brown and he'll send you a Zoom link (which you simply click on) and also a separate Link to the video (in case you can't make the meeting). The videos are all available online (go to YouTube and type "Bible Project Jeremiah" - or whichever book you wish to look up). Peter Thomas
INTRODUCING OUR STUDENT FROM QUEEN'S FOUNDATION:
I am Kyung Mi Banks, Student Presbyter of the Methodist Church at Queens Foundation, Birmingham. Prior to commencing my five weeks placement in Taunton and nearby, I’d like to share a brief introduction about myself. After finishing secondary school teacher training in South Korea, I worked as a journalist and book editor in a Christian publishing company before coming to the UK for missionary training in YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in 2001. The journey with the Methodist Church began whilst studying for the master’s degree in Mission at Cliff College. Before Presbyteral training, I worked as a Circuit Lay Pastoral Worker in East London. My ministerial and mission works are varied in different UK denominational churches, including Scotland with my husband, John Banks. He is also a Student Presbyter, and we have two sons, Daniel (15) and Isaac (13). I am (usually) active at work, but I am also an “indoor person”, enjoying reading and writing with a strong coffee. Thank you for your warm welcoming and hospitality. I am looking forward to seeing you all soon.
With prayer Kyung Mi
NEW MINISTER - FURNTURE NEEDED:
Household items are needed to furnish the manse at 5, Quantock Way, Bridgwater in readiness for our new Minister, Rev Annie Deche, and her husband, Moses, who will be joining the circuit in September from Kenya.
There is a comprehensive list of items needed in the July-August Circuit Link. If you are able to help with any of these items, in new or almost new condition, or have any queries please contact one of the circuit stewards Richard Sillett, Carol Stowe, Ian Rossiter. Thank you.
PEMD eNEWS:
This month the Plymouth and Exeter District eNews features our Circuit. Click here to view the eNews.
STRAEGY FOR JUSTICE, DIGNITY AND SOLIDARITY:
Being Christian, according to this strategy, means:
celebrating God who made each person in God’s own image
being disciples of Jesus who treated each person with dignity
rejoicing in the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to all people.
The 2021 Methodist Conference adopted a new strategy which explains why this is so important and spells out why it is vital to learn from one another so that we can recognise God’s presence more fully in our life together.
The strategy also includes some mandatory actions for local churches, circuits, districts and the Methodist Council. These will help us to live together with a culture of justice and respect for all people.
We are committed to becoming a Church that prioritises justice and dignity for all, especially those who have previously been excluded, and which stands in active solidarity with them.
You can find the full report here: www.methodist.org.uk/inclusive-mc-strategy and a free booklet here.
A METHODIST WAY OF LIFE:
A Methodist Way of Life offers Methodists and all Christians a rhythm for responding to God's love in Jesus. It provides commitments and practices that refocus our faith. It deepens discipleship and spirituality. Order your resources here.
PRAYING WITH HYMNS:
This booklet is intended as a guide for those who want to use hymns as prayers.
You might be preparing to lead worship at a church or event without music.
Maybe you've been asked to lead prayers and are anxious about what to say.
You might need help to find the right words in a pastoral situation.
Or perhaps you're someone who loves the poetry of the hymn book and wants to explore it further.
WORKING TOWARDS A FULLY INCLUSIVE METHODIST CHURCH:
A user Guide to the Strategy for Justice, Dignity and Solidarity. The Methodist Church is committed to ‘Justice, Dignity and Solidarity’. We believe that all people are uniquely made in the image of God, and we aim to live this out in the church and in our communities. This User Guide will help you engage with this work.
From Methodist News …
From the Methodist News
THE 2022 METHODIST CONFERENCE: This year the Methodist Conference returns for the first wholly in-person event since 2019. Topics being discussed will include Oversight and Trusteeship, an update on the Justice, Dignity and Solidarity strategy and exploring a Theology of Online life. Find out more about the conversations that will be had, as well as details of a service of repentance and commitment, here.
WATCH ONLINE: You can watch all the proceedings from Methodist Conference live from Saturday afternoon including the induction of the President and Vice President on our website. To find the full Conference program, click here.
ARMY CHAPLAINCY: For the first time, Methodist ministers now occupy the two most senior chaplaincy positions in the British Army. A service of celebration and commitment was held at St Michael’s Garrison Church, Tidworth on Sunday 12 June to welcome Revd Michael D Parker as the new Chaplain General and Revd David Barrett as the Deputy Chaplain General to Her Majesty’s Land Forces. You can read the full story here.
For this week's podcast, we join the service of celebration and commitment held at St Michael’s Garrison Church, Tidworth to welcome Revd Michael D Parker as the new Chaplain General and Revd David Barrett as the Deputy Chaplain General to Her Majesty’s Land Forces. Listen on our website or subscribe on your favourite audio platform.
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. The Learning Network comprises of 10 Learning Network regions. Each region has a regional coordinator and a team of Learning & Development Officers with a variety of specialist skills.
Information about the South West region can be found here, and you can sign up for the monthly newsletter here.
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.