Sections
Please select your area of interest from the sections below.
Please select your area of interest from the sections below.
By Fr. Geoff
In the churches and parishes we have had a really good time this past month or so. Mothering and Palm Sundays, and Easter day were really joyful occasions, with busy services full of life and fun.
The school holidays were separate from Easter, so for the first time we were able to do much more with the children about Holy Week and the events leading up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection; at Shepton Beauchamp, the children re-enacted the events each day with Joan Kennedy and had a wonderful time!
At Ottersey – the redundant church on a hill above Stocklinch – following one of the worse storms of the winter, the dawn brought with it a glorious spring day, with a light fresh breeze and warm sunshine: this little church was full of people who strode up the hill, left their wellies in the porch and joined in a really lovely service, which was all the better because of the people gathered there and the attitude of joyful springtime that they had brought with them (or perhaps found there?!?!?). Joy brought from sadness of death and storm.
In recent years our farming community has been badly hit by the deaths of some of its most well-known, and much loved characters. Amidst the joy of Easter came the sad news of the death of Robert England after a long and brave battle with cancer.
His funeral service was conducted privately at Taunton crematorium and followed by a service of thanksgiving for his life. This was one of the biggest turn-outs I have ever seen, there being well over three hundred people in church. Memories of his life were shared and amidst the sorrow of parting there were smiles and laughter at the character that was Robert.
Somehow this tribute to him helped lift the atmosphere and turn it into a real celebration of his short but full life, and of all that he did, all whose lives he touched, whose love he shared. Joy and sadness together.
Thieves are moving steadily across the country searching for metal of any kind to steal. In the past weeks thieves have struck churches in Crewkerne and Ilminster, stealing lead from the roof and causing a huge amount of damage. THIS IS A VERY REAL THREAT, please keep an eye on our little churches if you see anyone “working” on them they are probably stealing … call the Police (999), Vicar or Wardens – but tell someone FAST!
Please be extra vigilant around our churches
The only work being done on any of our churches is at Stocklinch (St Mary Magdalen) where there is lime-washing inside the church early in May
WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
1. Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. – Lynn, age 8 (isn't she a treasure?)
2. On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date. – Martin, age 10 (isn't he ready for the world of dating?)
WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR? I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns. – Craig, age 9
WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE? 1. When they're rich. – Pam, age 7
2. The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that. – Curt, age 7
29th March: Corey Lee Hill, baptized at Shepton Beauchamp
31st March: Robert England, service of Thanksgiving at South Petherton following cremation at Taunton)
1st April: Archie Lawrence, funeral and burial at Barrington
St. Mary’s Church, Chard with both Bishops on Tuesday 13th May 6.30pm for 7.00pm. This is for everyone – wardens, officers, PCC members and members of all the congregations. The format will comprise presentations by both Bishops with time to reflect and discuss each one.
The Conversation will be followed by Compline with hymns. Please do encourage as many people as possible to attend what will surely be an interesting and thought-provoking evening, as well as the chance to get to know your Bishops a little better.
Members of the Deanery are especially invited to the Evensongs listed below. These are in place of the usual Deanery Evensong Service held in the summer.
Sunday 18th May | St. Andrew’s Dowlish Wake | 6.30pm |
Sunday 22nd June | St. Andrew’s West Hatch | 6.30pm |
Sunday 20th July | Forde Abbey | 3.00pm |
Sunday 24th August | St. Nicholas Corfe | 6.30pm |