Notices

Notices for the week beginning
15th 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.

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 18th June. Join us for a drink and a chat.
MIDWEEK SERVICES:
Every Wednesday at 12:15pm in the chapel followed by a light lunch.
Next on Wednesday 18th June led by Rev Annie Deche
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 in the autumn on Thursday 18th September.

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. 

NOTICE

FOCUS

Our Challenge for June: No matter how you feel inside, what the people see is you. The same as you see what people around you are like just on the outside, you do not immediately know how they feel. If you look those people in the eye and smile, most times they will smile back. Hopefully this will make you both feel more joyful in yourselves. It will start the day off right, or lift the spirits after a stressful morning, or help you relax at the end of the day.
Just look them in the eye and smile!

POP IN: Pop-in this Wednesday 18th June, will be Kerling. A game like curling which is enjoyed while still seated. This starts about 11am following our usual coffee or tea time from 10.30 when we just sit and chat. Lunch follows the mid week service at 12.15pm. On Wednesday 25th June Alec will give us a talk on his visit to Antarctica. Preceded as usual with tea or coffee.

FAREWELL SERVICE: You will know that our student from the Queen's Foundation, Ildikó, will be moving to the Wolverhampton Methodist Circuit for her first appointment this July. We are arranging a Farewell Service for her to be held at Rowbarton on Sunday 13th July, at 6.30pm, preceded by a tea. In addition, we wish to arrange a financial collection for Ildikó, and give her a gift which will be useful to her in her future ministry.

FOOD HYGIENE TRAINING:  If you would like to help with catering events at Temple there is a Food Hygiene course running on Monday 7th & 14th  July from 1-4:30 pm.  If you would like to attend both sessions please speak to Hazel Jordan.

JUNE BIBLE STUDY: We will be holding a series of bible studies at 7.30 pm at Temple each Monday in June and at Bridgwater each Werdnesday in June , starting on Monday 2nd June. The theme will be the Gospel of St John as this is the chosen book for Bible Month starting in July. All are welcome.

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY LUNCH: The Church Anniversary is on Sunday 15th June. We look forward to welcoming Stephen Coles to lead our service. You are welcome to come to the anniversary lunch following the service. Please see a steward for tickets. You must let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements.

FAREWELL SERVICE: You will know that our student from the Queen's Foundation, Ildikó, will be moving to the Wolverhampton Methodist Circuit for her first appointment this July. We are arranging a Farewell Service for her to be held at Rowbarton on Sunday 13th July, at 6.30pm, preceded by a tea. In addition, we wish to arrange a financial collection for Ildiko, and give her a gift which will be useful to her in her future ministry.

SCIENTIFIC CALCULATORS REQUESTED BY RAFT: RAFT (Refugee Aid from Taunton) has identified a need for scientific calculators among the secondary students. If anyone has such an item they no longer need, please would you arrange for it to be passed to Elaine Dew.

FURNITRUST: At some point last Autumn, I was asked by a friend if I would consider becoming a Trustee of the Taunton charity FurniTrust. You may have seen the shop in Bridge Street, you may even have used their services, but apart from buying a coat stand from them for the church entrance at the bottom of the side stairs I knew nothing. Neither did I know anything about any sort of commerce but after due reflection I accepted. And, hey-ho, I discovered there were people on the board who knew all about commerce and employ a very able manager who maintains a happy and very worthwhile concern.

The charity was set up to relieve need, hardship and distress by providing furniture and other household equipment to people of limited means resident within the Taunton district at affordable prices, and to keep the items reused rather than in landfill. In order to achieve this, the charity has two vans which collect donated items at no cost to the donor. The items are then made into a saleable state if need be, electrical items are PAT tested, bedding etc. is washed and made up into “starter packs” for people such as refugees who are starting from nothing. The charity Refugee Aid From Taunton (RAFT), for example, gives a £150 voucher to such people who can then spend this at FurniTrust on the items they need. When ready, the furniture is then available for display in the Bridge Street showroom.

The charity employs twelve staff, both full and part-time, augmented by volunteers who have regular commitments. As with all charities, the wage bill has seen a sharp rise so it means that sales need to be increased; hence more donations will be required.

So now the sales pitch!

Please remember FurniTrust if you have any unwanted items of furniture you want to get rid of (for free!). The current shortage is:

White goods, beds, sofas, and armchairs.

But there is storage for other items!

Tony Bell

3Generate 2025, 3 - 5 October at the NEC, Birmingham: 3Generate is an event for children and young people aged 4-18 includes various activities, workshops, and worship sessions designed to help young people explore their faith, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact in their communities. Our hope is that 3Generate will offer a wonderful opportunity to encounter God, gather together and be reminded of their vital place within the wider Methodist Church.
More information can be found here, or see Barbara

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 …

A PRAYER FOLLOWING THE PLANE CRASH IN INDIA: The President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Helen Cameron, shares this prayer following today's air crash in India:

Holy God, God of compassion and care, we pray for all the victims of the Air India crash.

We pray for first responders in India, and for the communities in India affected by the crash.

We pray for all families affected by the crash, and for all those waiting anxiously for news.

When we weep, may we remember that you weep with us, and that every person is your beloved child. Amen.

CHALLENGING HOSTILITY WITH HOSPITALITY: REFUGEE WEEK AND SANCTUARY SUNDAY. What does it mean to be part of a welcoming community? This Refugee Week, 16-22 June, every Methodist church is invited to show a new short film on Sanctuary Sunday, 22nd June, during worship. In the film, Christians from Britain, and people who have sought asylum, reflect on experiences of receiving and offering welcome. They tell their stories of pain, courage, action, transformation and friendship, and encourage everyone to take a first step of connection. Their stories are a reminder that hospitality is a clear challenge to hostility. You can download the film together with a prayer written by an Iranian asylum seeker using the link below. There are also suggested hymns on the Methodist Resource Hub. Find the resources here.

THE METHODIST CONFERENCE 2025: The Methodist Conference will take place from 26th June to 2nd July at the Telford International Centre.

The Conference is the governing body of the Methodist Church and meets annually to discuss matters affecting the life of the Church, the nation and the world. You can find the full agenda, along with details of the live stream, tickets and ordinations below. Find out about the Conference here.

SUPPORTING PEOPLE LIVING WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES: The community room at Windlehurst Methodist Church, part of the United Stockport Circuit, is filled with smiles and laughter each week when around a dozen people living with learning disabilities come together, thanks to the ongoing work of a church member. Read about the club here.

REFLECTIONS ON A VISIT TO THE METHODIST CHURCH IN GHANA: "As we met Ghanaian Methodists and learnt more of the story, we were repeatedly hearing that this is how the British Connexion was viewed – not as the planter of a Church but as co-workers." The Revd Jonathan Hustler, the Secretary of the Methodist Conference, shares his personal reflections on a recent Encounter visit to Ghana. Read more here.

REBUILDING LIVES IN UKRAINE: “I got to visit two shelters that are run by the Church, and I was able to speak with some of the people living there. Stories of babies born at the shelter who have never been held in the arms of their father; mothers who have buried their husbands and sons, women who have suffered unmentionable abuse and terror.”

The Revd Dr Barry Sloan, Partnership Coordinator for Europe in the Global Relationships team, reflects on his recent visit to our Partner Church in Ukraine and the support being given to people whose lives have been destroyed by the war. Read Barry's blog here.

MAKING THE NORTH WALES PILGRIM'S WAY ACCESSIBLE FOR FAMILIES: “We certainly had to learn the ‘Art of Pilgrimage’, the process of journeying with young families, and the key being of course preparation. But along the pilgrimage, we have found a supportive community again. Someone to cheer us on, someone to share with, someone to listen to our problems.”

Marie Lumb, mother of seven and lay worker for the Cheshire South Methodist Circuit, shares her work of supporting families and how it led her to organise pilgrimages, especially for young families. Read more here.

CIRCUIT Round Up From December’s Meeting:

• PULSE roadshows: Area Mission Leads in our new District are delivering roadshows looking at current mission engagement and thinking about how new initiatives could be implemented. There will be three in Taunton at Temple on 14 February, 11 April and 13 June 2025 from 7 – 9.30 pm, everyone is invited to attend.

• Mission Plan: the CLT held an away-day in October to discuss the strengths and challenges for our Circuit’s mission linked to the Methodist Way of Life.

• Church partnerships: the CLT is looking at ways that North Curry and Middlezoy chapels can be supported in the future; it is proposed that North Curry be partnered with Lisieux Way, and Middlezoy with Bridgwater. The aim is that by September 2025 conversations between these churches will have been progressing and resolutions will be brought to the June Circuit Meeting to ratify.

• Growing relationships across Circuit boundaries: conversations will be held between our Circuit and South Petherton and Crewkerne Circuit with the view of a possible joining together of both Circuits. Our Circuit’s budget forward planning suggests that our own Circuit will only be able to finance 1 presbyter by 2027. The finances of the larger area should be able to finance 2 presbyters (or a combination of full time / part time presbyters and/or paid lay workers. We have seen and been blessed by the work that Ildiko Haraszti has done in the Circuit since she began her placement last year. The Circuit meeting voted unanimously on the following resolution: Resolve to build a closer relationship between the Taunton Deane & South Sedgemoor and the South Petherton & Crewkerne Methodist Circuits during 2025 and 2026 with a view to coming together by September 2026.

• Citizens Somerset: It was reported that there is quite a diverse membership which is good and groups from Chard are now increasingly involved. Citizens has a good relationship with the Police & Crime Commissioner as well as with local MPs. It will soon be 6 years since the Somerset Chapter was launched and an event to celebrate is being planned in March.

• MWiB: it was reported that churches would need to think about how to make their services dementia friendly.

• Safeguarding: the meeting was reminded of the need for safeguarding checks for anyone new with a post or responsibility in their church.

SWPD eNEWS:
In his letter in the September issue, district chair Rev Dr Dan Haylett comments on the start of the new enlarged district at a time when there has been a backdrop of unrest and violence over the summer. He talks about the need for the Church’s ministry of reconciliation, recalling words of Desmond Tutu “You are all children of God. Now go and live like it”.

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

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT:
REV7 is officially OPEN! What is REV7? - it is a District NPNP (New Places for New People) initiative, which has inspired people across the area as a new way of ‘noticing’ God in our communities.

Friday 11th October 2024 marked the end of two years of visioning, prayerful preparation, thoughtful planning, funding, the bringing together of gifted individuals, the purchasing of products, and the beautiful furnishing and decorating the little space in Mutley Plain… to launch a ministry which is perfectly placed in this community to offer a place of welcome, hospitality, and transformation ‘of hair and hearts’ for God’s precious people, whoever they may be.

Reverend Darren Middleton welcomed representatives who gathered from the community, church and local businesses for the special occasion. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon cut the ribbon, before Darren thanked everyone who had supported the NPNP project since its conception. The vision is to provide great hair services in a relaxed, safe space, with openness and compassion.

Although this is a project ‘powered’ by the Methodist Church, there are many from all areas of the community who have been inspired by the vision and want to be part of it. The wonderful people who are working or volunteering at the salon, or supporting in other ways, all have one aim – to offer an inclusive and affirming welcome to everyone, and to foster a sense of dignity, self-worth and kindness throughout the community.

A ramp supplied has been by CityBus to provide accessibility for wheelchair users to the salon – just one more expression of support from the local businesses.

The salon’s paying customers will help to support hair, nail and footcare services for those who are facing economic or social challenges. REV7 is partnering with local charities such as Shekinah (Homeless Charity), Harbour (Drug and Substance Recovery), and The Little Sanctuary (working with female sex workers in the city), to ensure that those who need help the most are connected to its services. Two doors down the road is a Christian project called The Green Space and helpful connections are being made with the volunteers there. REV7 will also be working with the LGBTQIA+ Community and offering a safe space for the Trans Community.

The salon itself is as glamorous as you would expect, if you know Darren, and the thoughtful design details underline the ethos of welcome and the value of each individual. Mrs Mural’s amazing designs around the walls, gently point towards the presence of God in that special place. During the official opening Darren read the Hairdresser’s Prayer – you can listen to it here.

After the anointing of the door frame with oil from Lazarus’ Tomb on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, and the blessing of the basin with water from the Jordan River, the guests moved to The Green Space for refreshments.

If you are wondering how you can support this innovative and visionary mission to the marginalised people of Plymouth, how about booking for an appointment on Thursdays 10am-5pm or Friday 10am-8pm on 01752 992482 or through Rev7hair on socials. You will be helping the project to continue to offer its ministry of acceptance and love, and alongside the transformation of hair, the opportunity for God to transform hearts and lives. Deborah 

From Methodist Publishing ...

New Products
Bible Month Reading Guide 2025, The Gospel of John. Bible Month is an annual campaign that celebrates Scripture by inviting the whole Methodist Connexion to feast on one particular book of the Bible together. Split into 30 days of readings, with questions for reflection and space to make your own notes, the Daily Reading Guide equips and encourages you to read through the gospel of John in a month.
the connexion Cutting edge In this issue, you can read about a new faith-based hairdressers that’s welcoming, and sharing God’s love with, people who feel unable to go to an ordinary salon. There’s also news from a church that’s providing community members with warmth, food and company during the winter months, and a story about how a Methodist couple are expressing their faith through serving as foster parents.
Sunshine and Showers: The Bible's beautiful strangeness The Bible is beautiful: it contains wisdom, humour, great stories and deep comfort. But it is a strange book, and not necessarily easy to use. This is the reality of dealing with such a set of ancient texts, but sometimes it feels like we must be doing something wrong. This course aims to explore six of these paradoxes. It aims to encourage us to keep reading the Bible, and to resist the temptation to jump to one pole of the paradox or the other. Good news can appear when we embrace the mystery and give it space to breathe.
Easter Offering  Education for All, Hope for All  offers churches, circuits and districts a moment to consider how education transforms lives and communities, opening God’s promise of hope and fullness of life for all people.
A Methodist Way of Life Pocket Guide - Order here

Connexional Year 2024/2025 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 2024/2025 Prayer Handbook.
In her song of praise, the ‘Magnificat’ (Luke 1:46-55), Mary thanks God for the child Jesus, who will announce God’s kingdom which “brings down the powerful from their thrones and lifts up the lowly.”
To engage in God’s mission and be part of that transformation, we believe the Methodist Church is called to become an increasingly evangelistic, inclusive and justice-seeking Church.
Following the prophet Isaiah’s call, echoing through the ages to us and reflected in Mary’s prayer, the 2024/2025 Prayer Handbook focuses on how the Church can “learn to do right; seek justice and defend the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17a, NIV).

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.