Notices
Notices for the week beginning
5th January 2023
5th January 2023
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.
METHODIST WOMEN IN BRITAIN: “SECOND WEDNESDAYS”
The District Group are holding "Zoom" monthly coffee mornings - a mixture of chat and information online.
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 / COFFE-PLUS:
Every Wednesday at 10:30am
Next on Wednesday 8th February - Dick Atkinson will give the group a talk.
MIDWEEK SERVICES:
Every Wednesday at 12:15pm in the chapel followed by a light lunch.
Next on Wednesday 8th February led by Rev Anthony Huxtable.
CHURCH LUNCH:
Normally on the third Wednesday of the month 1:00pm in the hall.
AGE UK INDOOR KURLING:
Takes place weekly, on Thursdays, from 10:00 – 12:00 noon.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON GROUP (VIVARY & MEN'S FORUM):
Normally meetings take place on third Thursday of each month at 2:30pm in the hall.
Next on Thursday 16th February, when Dick Atkinson will give a talk entitled ‘What the Romans did for us’.
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND ANY EVENT IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF RESPIRATORY ILLNESS
ALSO SEE Upcoming Services , Church Life Activities , Upcoming Events
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.
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.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
SALT PLANNING MEETING:
There will be a SALT planning meeting after the church service on Sunday 5th February with a soup and pudding lunch. Please come with your ideas for events for 2023. Donations towards the lunch will be much appreciated. Please contact Sheila Robertson if you can help.
FILM NIGHT:
Friday 10th February, pizza at 6.30 pm followed by the film Mrs Harris Goes to Paris at 7.30 pm. This is a heart-warming film starring Lesley Manville as a cleaning lady who travels to Paris to buy a couture dress. Please see Hazel or Anne Jordan if you would like to attend.
ANNUAL QUIZ FOR METHODIST MISSIONS:
Saturday 18th February, starting at 7.00pm. Admission free but donations are invited for the charities. These may be made in cash or by cheque made payable to Lisieux Way Methodist Church, or via BACS. The quizmaster will be Peter Thomas and there will also be a raffle. Donations of prizes will be most welcome. Come as a group (teams usually of 4), or turn up and be placed in a team. Bring your own refreshments (no alcohol!) - hot drinks will be available. Details from Peter Thomas.
LENTEN PILGRAMAGE 25TH FEBRUARY:
As part of our 3 Church collaboration (Paul Street URC, St John’s CofE and Temple Methodist) a Lenten walk has been arranged for Saturday 25th February. The walk will start at Taunton URC (parking available) at 10am where there will be a 15-minute service in the Reformed style. This will be followed by short services at Temple (Methodist service) and St John’s (Anglican service). Hopefully, a Wayfarer’s Dole will be available at each stop! I anticipate that the walk will finish at The Minster where lunch would be available at their café.
All will be welcome. Tony Bell for the 3 Churches Committee
CELTIC, INCARNATE, RELATIONAL: A SPIRITUALITY FOR TODAY:
From The Community for Spiritual Formation, an online retreat day during Lent, with Ruth Harvey on Saturday 18th March. Ruth is a Leader of the Iona Community, ‘an international, ecumenical Christian movement working for justice and peace, the rebuilding of community and the renewal of worship.’ With a background in mediation and conflict transformation, she has a passion for reconciliation from the inside out.
Ruth shares more about the theme “Iona, an island on the fringes of modern-day Scotland, was at the heart of the early Celtic Christian church. Whatever the land on which we sit, whatever the stories that nourish us, how might we continue to find ‘new ways to touch the lives of all’? Drawing on the story of the Iona Community, we will explore how our heritage, our story, informs our spiritual practice today.”
Details, including the programme for the day and how to register can be downloaded on the flier here.
A CHURCH WEEKEND AWAY:
Are you interested in joining a weekend at The Ammerdown Centre at Radstock, near Bath, on either 11-13 August or 18-20 August this year?
Planning an annual weekend away was interrupted during the pandemic but they have always been very enjoyable. The weekend would follow the usual pattern: Arrival for the Friday evening meal, study led by Revd. Deborah Kirk on Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon free, some social activity in the evening, a service on Sunday morning, followed by lunch and departure. The cost would be £200 plus VAT for shared room per person, £220 for single occupancy.
Would you please let Diana Oldham know by Sunday 5 February if you would be interested and tell her which dates you would prefer.
RAfT (Refugee Aid from Taunton): has been asked for items to help new people housed locally keep occupied while English lessons etc. are being arranged. Do you have packs of playing cards, draughts or chess sets, or dominoes that you no longer use? If so, please can you pass them to Elaine Dew. Many thanks.
ADVANCED NOTICE - BIBLE MONTH:
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. Typically, churches engage with Bible Month during June and many of the resources and training opportunities are timed accordingly. It is possible, however, for churches to choose a different month in the year in which to engage with the materials if that works better for their local calendars and needs. In 2023, we’re going to feast upon the Book of Revelation. To help make Revelation a bit more bite-sized, we're going to look at a different section each week through a different theme:
Week 1: The Church Then and Now (Chapters 1-3)
Week 2: The Triumph of the Lamb (Chapters 4-5)
Week 3: Witness, Worship and Waiting (Chapters 10-13)
Week 4: Heading Home (Chapters 17-22)
Alongside these themes, individuals, groups, circuits and churches will be encouraged to engage with the text and message of Revelation in a whole host of different ways.
This year’s menu plans include:
30 Days with Revelation: including Study Notes with Preaching Points, Small Group Session Plans and All-Age Worship Ideas, etc.
Preparation Training Day: for those involved in promoting, encouraging and facilitating Bible Month locally (Local Preachers, Worship Leaders, Small Group Leaders, etc., running in March).
Engagement Opportunities: including Reading Plans, Bible Journaling Kits, Animations, etc.
Exploration Webinars: looking at how to engage with the text and themes of this fascinating book. (Running in June).
Visit the Bible Month web page from the Methodist website for more information and links to resources and to sign up.
HOSTS NEEDED for FILO PROJECT:
We are in urgent need of a new host/hosts in the Sedgemoor (particularly Bridgwater) area. The FILO Project provides small group day care for those with Dementia, Memory loss or Social Isolation. It provides meaningful days out in one of our hosts homes between the hours of 10am and 4pm. Lunch and transport are provided for the clients by the hosts. This time frame also creates significant replacement care for a spouse or family member. Within the supportive environment of the Filo Project, clients gain confidence, independence and social interaction. It provides a time and space where they can make friends and share life experiences in a home from home environment each week in groups of 4 or 5. Our Hosts are paid and employed by FILO project and can work anywhere from 1 to 5 days a week hosting and full training is provided prior to starting. If you would like to know more please contact Natalie Knight, Area Coordinator for Sedgemoor and West Somerset.
HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE:
26 November – 3 December 2023, lead by Rev Bruce Thompson. Visiting all the major Christian sites in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee and Nazareth. Further information, full itinerary and booking forms from Rev Bruce Thompson, chair@lincolnshiremethodis.org.uk.
ROOF FUND: Temple Roof Scheme
We need to replace the south-facing roof at Temple which is leaking and has reached the end of its life. As part of the design, we have incorporated insulation and an array of solar panels to improve our environmental impact and reduce energy costs in the future. We have obtained planning permission and approval from the Methodist Heritage Officer. Following a tender process, we have appointed a local building company, Wrencon, to carry out the works under the direction of our architect, and the plan is to commence the works in the better weather in the spring.
The cost is likely to be in the region of £160,000. The Temple congregation has responded incredibly positively and generously in supporting this scheme with around £80,000 pledged towards the cost. For the remainder, we hope to be supported with grants and are submitting applications at present. The current poor national economic situation is not good for receiving the support of grants where there are many deserving causes, and replacement of a church roof, even when reducing our environmental impact, may not be high on the priority of grant making bodies. We may need to use our reserves to complete the new roof if we are unable to achieve grants and we continue to faithfully seek God’s will for these days and for the future. In the meantime, we carefully position buckets to catch the leaks when it is raining!
Graham Dickinson (Temple Treasurer)
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
ENERGY BILLS SUPPORT SCHEME:
Households will start receiving £400 off their energy bills from October. Most households will see the non-repayable discount automatically applied to energy bills in instalments over six months. A £66 discount will be applied to energy bills in October and November, rising to £67 each month from December through to March 2023. If you’re on a traditional prepayment meter, you’ll receive a monthly voucher which you can redeem at a local top up point identified by your supplier. Beware of scams. You do not need to apply for the scheme, and you’ll never be asked for your bank details. Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/energy-bills-support-scheme-explainer .
PEMD eNEWS:
This month the Plymouth and Exeter District eNews features our Circuit. Click here to view the eNews.
THE REV SALLY AZUR: Our Mission Partner in the Holy Land, Angleena Keizer, was present to witness the ordination of the first Palestinian female Christian Pastor in the Holy Land - the Revd Sally Azur. You can read about the ordination service and the significance of Sally's appointment here.
THE HOLY LAND: The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem have released a statement on the increasing cycle of violence in the Holy Land. You can read it here.
MMAC IN BRISTOL: A number of the works of art from the Methodist Modern Art Collection will be available for viewing in Bristol from February to April.
Death to Life: Death to Life is a reflective exhibition which brings together works by four twentieth century artists showcasing depictions of the Crucifixion. This Spring exhibition aims to evoke a sense of discovery through meaning, expression and symbolism. 18th February - 8th April 2023, John Wesley's New Room. Further information can be found here.
Articles of Faith: Entitled ‘Articles of Faith – Where our paths meet’, the exhibition will explore themes that resonate with all faiths and none. Thirty paintings from the Methodist Modern Art Collection will be exhibited along with artefacts from various faith traditions. The exhibition includes works by Graham Sutherland, Elisabeth Frink, Ceri Richards, Maggi Hambling and many other renowned artists. 20th February to 8th April 2023, Victoria Methodist Bristol. Further information can be found here.
LENT REFLECTIONS: Resources from Methodist Women in Britain. Looking for some Lent reflections? Methodist Women in Britain have produced seven reflections for the seven weeks of Lent. You can use these Lent reflections as they lead towards the Easter Offering 2023 service and its resources. Find the Lent reflections at the MWiB website. Find the Easter Offering 2023 resources here.
EASTER OFFERING 2023: No borders to God’s love
Many churches support people who have come to the UK in search of sanctuary. Use the Easter Offering 2023 dedication service for considering welcome and hospitality, especially to people who are displaced and forced to migrate.
No borders to God’s love offers churches, circuits and districts a celebration of God’s love and mission world wide. It includes the dedication of the Easter Offering, all of which goes to the World Mission Fund of the Methodist Church in Britain, supporting and working with over 100 Partner Churches and organisations around the world.
METHODIST PRAYER HANDBOOK: The theme for the 2022/2023 Prayer Handbook is ‘The Greatest Commandment’: Matthew 22:37-39. Further inspiration for the prayers comes from Acts 2.
Imagine the Church filled with a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and completely dependent on the sovereign work of God. Imagine the Church filled with people wholly focused on loving God, loving our neighbours and loving of ourselves.
This year's Prayer Handbook contains prayers calling for the Methodist Church to be the Church that God desires; and that explore how we should live out Our Calling, as we respond to the gospel of God’s love in Christ through discipleship, worship and mission.
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. 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.