Notices

Notices for the week beginning
2nd November 

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 Kathryn Turner 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 5th November. Join us for a drink and a chat.
MIDWEEK SERVICES:
Every Wednesday at 12:15pm followed by a light lunch.
Next on Wednesday 5th November led by Rev Deborah Kirk
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 will be on Thursday 20th November a talk by Sigurd Reiners on Changing Climate

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 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 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 the Council.

POP IN: Pop-in for this Wednesday 5th November, which is the first Wednesday in the month! is coffee or tea and a biscuit with general conversation with friends old and new, starting at 10.30am. Tabletop games will be available at this time, The mid-week service begins at 12.15pm followed by a light lunch.

CITIZENS SOMERSET - CHANGE OF DATE:
It has been decided that the planned ‘Review and Re-launch’ event which had been scheduled to take place on 6 November has been postponed and will now take place in the Spring of 2026. The main reason behind the decision is that a number of new organisations have recently joined as members and we want to make sure they have time to be fully involved in the planning of this important occasion.

In the meantime, Citizens’ campaigning work goes on and on 15 October our members, particularly students from Richard Huish College and local Quakers, were well represented at events in London around a range of housing issues which have long been one of our priority areas. Together with representatives from Peterborough, Leeds and London, a series of meetings were held with Ministers and local MPs; amongst other things discussed was a ‘Fix It First’ campaign which will be presented to Somerset Council to ask them to include repairs when discussing use of funds for the Warm Homes Plan.

John Haines and Rev Deborah Kirk

CRAFT MORNING: Do come and join us on Saturday 8th November for a craft morning. There is tea and coffee available followed by a light lunch. Several different crafts you can join at £5 each. So come and have some fun. Further information ask Anne Broadley. See you there!

LIFE EXHIBITION: Discover the exciting story and teachings of Jesus at an interactive exhibition on Wednesday 12th November, 6.30 – 8.30 pm at Oakwood Church, Obridge Road. Please notify Rev Deborah Kirk or Rev Annie Deche if you are going.

WORKSHOP DAY: Why not come along and find out how Faith-Rooted Community Organising (FRCO) and Transforming Conversation (TC) can help your congregation and staff be better listeners and act collectively with the wider community to bring about change. Join us for a day workshop to experience and explore the difference these exciting initiatives can make in your locality on Thursday 13th November from 9.15 am to 2.30 pm at Rowbarton Methodist Church. Sign up here.

FILM NIGHT: On Friday 14th November we will be screening the much requested film The Salt Path. This controversial film is set on the South West Coast Path. Pizza and pudding at 6.30 pm with the film at 7.30 pm. Let Hazel Jordan know if you would like to come to both food and film or just the film.

ORGAN RECITAL: On Saturday 15th November at 7-00pm we are very fortunate to have Mr David Bednall giving an organ recital at Temple. David is a very accomplished organist from Bristol who has supported Temple in the past by not charging for the recital. A retiring collection will be taken for Temple funds and, as in previous visits, will be a very varied programme. Please come along to it if possible - it promises to be a very enjoyable evening.

THIS CHANGING CLIMATE: Sigurd Reimers will be speaking on the changing climate on Thursday 20th November at 2.30pm at Temple. This is part of the Thursday Group programme but is open to all. Please come and here what Sigurd has to say on this important subject. Sigurd is the convener of the local U3A Climate Change group.

WINE TASTING EVENING: Join Dick Atkinson for a wine tasting evening on Friday 21st November, 7.30 pm at the home of Anne & Ron Jordan. A SaltPlus organised event. Please let Anne Jordan know if you would like to come.

POT LUCK SAFARI SOCIAL: As part of the initiative to get to know the South Petherton & Crewkerne Circuit there will be a safari social event on Saturday 22nd November starting at Ilminster & Broadway Hill Church at 10.30 am for coffee, followed by lunch at North Curry & Curland Church at 12 noon with dessert served at Temple at 1.30 pm. Please let Joanna or Christine know if you would like to take part. Lifts can be arranged.

CONCERT: Come and join our Good Afternoon Choir with their special Christmas guests the children from Parkfield School on Thursday 25th November from 1:30 – 2.45 pm at Temple. Everyone is welcome. There will be a retiring collection for St Margaret’s Hospice

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL: Bridgwater Methodist Church have invited us to take part in this year’s Christmas Tree Festival which takes place from Sunday 6th December. If anyone is interested in helping to decorate a tree, please speak to Sheila Robertson.

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 …

HURRICANE MELISSA - UPDATES FROM THE CARIBBEAN AND PRAYERS FROM THE

PRESIDENCY: "As soon as the 'all clear' is given for people to move around without putting their lives at risk, we will be establishing where resources will be needed and arranging for the purchasing of bulk goods of both food and roof repair materials.” Bishop Juan Simpson, President of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA), shares an update on the situation in Jamaica and the Caribbean following Hurricane Melissa.

The President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference have shared a prayer for those who have been affected by the hurricane. The Revd Dr Vincent Jambawo, Co-chair of the Belonging Together Ministers Group calls on us to respond to Hurricane Melissa with empathy, solidarity and action. Read the updates and prayer here.

HURRICANE MELISSA EMERGENCY APPEAL: The Methodist Church in Britain and All We Can have opened a joint appeal. We are working closely with our partner, the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA), to ensure that funds raised are directed to where they are most needed. MCCA is working on co-ordinating emergency relief efforts across affected communities in the region. Donate to the appeal here.

BUILDING HOPE IN GAZA - THE GAZA-LEBANON JUSTICE APPEAL: “Don’t relax because of a

ceasefire. Keep up the flame, keep up the pressure for justice.” Andy Dye, Director of Global Relationships, shares this blog following his recent visit to the Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem where he met with partners in the West Bank, in the shadow of the ever-present separation barrier. Read the blog here.

HONG KONG CULTURE AND TRADITIONS IN RUGBY MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL: "There was a

real buzz about the place. It was amazing to be able to celebrate the culture through music and lots of fun activities.” Communities across Warwickshire gathered to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival 2025, a cultural event traditionally observed across East and Southeast Asia symbolised by unity, harmony and reunion under the full moon. The celebration, held on Saturday 11th October, was organised in partnership between Warwickshire County Council and Rugby Methodist Church. Read more about the festival here.

ADULT YOUTH GROUP - NEW WAYS OF FELLOWSHIP IN CAMBRIDGE: "There is no

set agenda to the meetings, sometimes they are spiritual, other times less so. We'll talk

about what's going on in people's lives. It's a support group, and so in its own way, it is prayerful. It just doesn't have to be ‘hands together, eyes closed, let's have a prayer meeting or a Bible study’. It happens much more holistically, as in real life, in the way that we support each other." Methodist churches in Cambridge are bringing young professionals together to consider faith with a space and time dedicated to their busy lives. Read more here.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY - UPDATED RESOURCES: It is almost Remembrance Sunday – when we reflect on the sacrifices made for freedom during conflict. This year's resources from the Methodist Forces Board includes two new films. Veteran Andy Bowtell shares reflections from Shorncliffe Military Cemetery, highlighting Methodist contributions to historic wars and from his own time as a Regimental Sergeant Major – YouTube | Vimeo (download).

Young people from Portsmouth Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade share with us what it means for them to remember today –Vimeo (download) Find the complete resources 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.