CONTACT
The Newsletter of the Benefice of
St Michael and All Angels - Somerton
St Mary the Virgin - Charlton Mackrell
St Peter and St Paul - Charlton Adam
All Saints - Kingsdon
MARCH 2015 40p
From the Vicarage
The Lent course which is running in Somerton this year is called “Praise Him –
songs of praise in the New Testament” it is one of the York Courses to encourage
biblical reflection. As I looked at the details of the course it started a train of thought
in my mind about how often people sing. When I was a boy growing up in Bath I
would regularly hear people singing or whistling in their gardens as they worked but very rarely does that
happen now. I am also conscious that at a lot of weddings and funerals, whilst people stand up when the
congregation stands to sing, they do not actually join in.
One of the reasons I suspect is that “modern” music is a lot harder to sing, it is written for professional
singers and produced in recording studios and is not intended for sing-a-longs. The rise in popularity of
Karaoke, the challenge of singing along to recorded music shows this. Alongside that we have the
availability of portable music devices now so that we can listen in wherever we are and whatever we are
doing, and our entertainment is provided for us without us needing to participate, so people have got out
of the habit of singing. It is such a shame because a good blast of singing can raise our spirits
enormously and put a different perspective on the world.
Paul the apostle I think recognises this because he wrote in his letter to the Ephesians (Eph 5:18-20) “be
filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and
making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
When we really sing we can express our emotions in our songs and strengthen the positive emotions as a
counter balance to any negative ones we have. Thousands of hymns and worship songs have been
written over the years, the best of them have been chosen by a process of natural selection, which means
the ones people find helpful to sing they have continued to use. So let us be encouraged too to pick our
favourites and to sing them at every opportunity, at home, in our cars, and of course with others in
Church.
With every blessing
Please submit material for April 2015
edition of CONTACT to reach us no later
than 15th March .
email: [email protected]
Printed by Direct Offset, Glastonbury,
01458 831417
Church Web Sites:
www.stmichaels-somerton.org.uk
www.achurchnearyou.com/charlton-mackrell-the-blessed-virgin-mary
www.achurchnearyou.com/charlton-adam-st-peter-st-paul
www.achurchnearyou.com/kingsdon-all-saints
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Kingsdon Village Hall
Bookings for March
All Saints Church, Kingsdon invites you to
Lenten Lunch
Kingsdon Village Hall Saturday 7th March
Short Mat Bowls
Mondays 7.30pm - 9pm,
Tuesdays 10am - 12noon
Table Tennis Club
Tuesdays at 7.30pm (not 10th)
Art Club
Thursdays 10am - 12 (Term time)
Yeovil District Canine Soc.
Wednesdays at 6.30pm
& Thursdays from 12th March for
10weeks at 6.30pm
A Choice of Soups will be served from
12 noon to 1.30pm.
Come along and enjoy some superb soups in the company of
neighbours and friends, prepared for your delectation by
Kingsdon’s own culinarians of distinction.
Wanted
Expert Soup Makers to assist our already renowned cooks,
also willing strong hands for table & chair moving.
Please contact Norma Black Tel 01935 840727 if you can help.
Kingsdon Village Hall
Friday 6th March at 7pm
Take Art
Friday 6th 7pm
Lenten Lunch
Saturday 7th 12noon to 1.30pm
Ladies Club
Tuesday 10th 7pm
Parish Council Meeting
Friday 13th at 7pm
Practical Study Group
Wednesday 18th 10am - 3pm
Seniors Club
Wednesday 25th 3pm
Take Art presents The Bluebirds
in Berlin Cabaret
Join Bluebirds Sasha Herriman & Tami Tal
For a night of classics from the beating heart of cabaret.
Expect beautiful singing and plenty of humour
Tickets £8 / £7 Children & OAP Concession
From Kingsdon Shop
Richard South 01935 840912
Brian Paine 01935 842058
Why not join us at the Berlin Cabaret? If you want a chance to
join in, the Bluebirds will get you singing along too! A night of
great classical cabaret with a unique edge. Come along and visit
the Berlin Cabaret and hear the purring songs of Marlene
Dietrich alongside lyrical soprano melodies. This is bold, sassy
and funny… Let the Bluebirds entertain you!
KINGSDON
A PRAYER FOR LENT
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday 18th March 7.30pm
Loving Redeemer through your passion,
teach me self denial, strengthen me
against evil and adversity and so make
me ready to celebrate your
Resurrection. Amen.
ADVANCE NOTICE - KINGSDON
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
Wednesday 15th April 2015 at 7pm in Church
2
REGULAR EVENTS IN CHARLTONS
EVENING PRAYER
GROUP
7.15pm - Tuesdays
Columba, Chessels Lane
BELL RINGING
PRACTICE
Thursdays 7.00pm
Adam or Mackrell Tower
Tower Captain Adam
Albert Winter 01458 223590
Tower Captain Mackrell
Pauline Whitaker 01458 223186
TIDINGS
A big thank you to all those who have so
faithfully delivered “Tidings” here in the
Chartlons for so many years. Your service has
been much appreciated.
CHOIR PRACTICE
Fridays at 4.30pm
Charlton Adam
Church
TUESDAY 3RD MARCH
AT 6.00PM
Reading Room, Hillway
Charlton Mackrell
CONTACT
Contact will be available from the beginning of
each month at the Post Office for 40p per copy. If
you know anyone who is unable to collect it from
there, please do collect it
for them.
VILLAGE CAFÉ
THURSDAY 12TH MARCH
Serving delicious coffee and cake
All for £1.00
10.30 - 12.00
Reading Room, HILLWAY
Charlton Mackrell
NEWS FROM THE CHARLTONS
We collect for the Yeovil Food Bank
and have a Bring and Buy stall.
Many thanks to all the friends who host the café
very cheerfully.
' Evelyn's big day'
As many of you will probably know, on 29 January Evelyn
Buckland from Charlton Mackrell was awarded a British
Citizens Award for her commitment to the community
which included playing the organ in the local churches for
70 years. Leading up to the award ceremony Evelyn had
been unwell and we were uncertain as to whether or not
she would be able to attend, but in true Evelyn style she
rallied to the occasion and we set off to the Palace of
Westminster. On arrival we had to battle our way
through the wind and rain to the Black Rod entrance of
the House of Lords where we went through airport style
security. We were then greeted by the British Citizen
Award team and ushered into the Cholmondeley Room
where we sat at round tables laden with tea, overlooking
the Thames - delightful. After a short presentation by the
co - founder the twenty eight nominees were presented
with their awards by Baroness Cox. Evelyn very graciously
accepted her award at the same time ticking them off for
mis-pronouncing her name! After a group photograph of
the nominees on College Green we went to Church
House for a drinks reception before taking home a rather
tired but extremely happy Evelyn'.
PLAINSONG COMPLINE DURING LENT
These will take place in Charlton Adam
Church on the following Wednesdays in
March at 6.30pm
4th, 11th, 18th and 25th March
ADVANCE NOTICES - FOR YOUR DIARIES
The Charltons Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Will be held on Tuesday 14th April
In Adam Church at 7pm.
More details next month.
Following the success of their last concert in the
Charltons the Brue Boys will make a return visit on
20th June
Tickets and Further information will be available
nearer the time
Margaret Hutchins
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Tea & Chat
Our next gathering will be on :Friday 13th March at 3pm
CHARLTON MACKRELL
READING ROOM BOOKINGS
March
Art
Monday 2nd/9th/16th/23rd and 30th
Worship Songs
Tuesday 3rd
Pilates
Wednesday 4th/11th/18th and 25th
Country and Western
Wednesday 4th/11th/18th and 25th
Scottish Dancing
Monday 9th and 23rd
Village Cafe
Thursday 12th
Charltons’ WI
Thursday 12th
Private Function
Saturday 14th
PCC Meeting
Tuesday 17th
Winter Warmer Lunch
Friday 20th
Parish Council
Tuesday 24th
At the home of Beryl and Willie Turner
9.30 -12.00
6.00
19 The Millands, Somerton
Any donations of cakes or sandwiches
2.30 - 4.30
will be very welcome.
Any queries contact
7.00-9.00
Sue Shepherd, Tel: 273040
2.00 -4.00
We have gradually lost our hosts and venues
at The Charltons,and would very much
appreciate any offers
for hosting Tea and Chat
in those villages.
10.30-12.00
7.15
11.30 - 2.30
7.15
Please contact Sue if you feel you could offer
this. Thank You.
12.30
7.30
CHARLTONS
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday 17th March 7.30pm
CHARLTON MACKRELL SCHOOL
EASTER ASSEMBLY
Tuesday 24th March at 9am
In St Mary ‘s
RENEW - REFRESH
Esther and Louise have been
regular visitors to Lee Abbey
and thought it would be nice
for others in the Benefice to
share the experience.
Try a taster weekend at Lee Abbey in Devon
September 11th -13th September 2015
Includes good food, good singing (and a lift for
those who cannot manage stairs).
Communion Service on the
Sunday morning.
We would hope to be able to share transport
DO YOU RECOGNISE THIS PICTURE OF ST MICHAELS ROOF?
WERE YOU THE PHOTOGRAPHER?
OR DO YOU KNOW WHO THE PHOTOGRAPHER WAS?
Esther Locke is wanting to get more postcards produced of this
excellent picture of the roof, but wants to have the permission of
the photographer to do so.
So if you were the photographer or know who it was
please speak to Esther.
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All details over coffee
at Kirkham House
Friday March 6th at 10:30 am
No obligation whatever
The Bishop of Bath & Wells, Rt Revd Peter Hancock has added his
voice to those campaigning for more support for our dairy farmers.
“Recently there has been justified concern about the milk prices being paid to
dairy farmers. In response to this churches are being encouraged to support the
British dairy industry and to pray for farmers in this exceptionally difficult time.
“I am aware that the number of dairy farmers has halved in the last decade and
that despite significant increases in production costs, that milk prices are at
their lowest since 2007. Many farmers around the country are therefore really
struggling and here in Somerset there are the additional problems for farmers
who are still recovering from the floods and the effect of two difficult winters.
“I encourage everyone to make a special effort to pray for the farming community at this time. Let us give thanks
for all the food which farmers produce which we enjoy each and every day. Let us remember those farmers who
are under pressure because of low milk prices. May we never take our food for granted and may we value and
support those who work so tirelessly to produce it.”
A prayer for farmers
Loving God we give you thanks for all the food that is produced for us by farmers every day.
We thank you especially for milk, a vital food, which we don’t always fully appreciate.
We pray for dairy farmers and the particular pressures that they face at this present time.
We remember farmers under pressure because of low prices and late milk payments, may they know the peace of
your presence. May we consumers never take our food for granted and may we value and support those who work
tirelessly to feed us. This we ask in Jesus name, Amen
The Bishop of Bath & Wells is urging us to fight the fatalism on poverty, stating that individual
actions can “help close the gap between rich and poor…and make a difference in small but
nonetheless significant ways.”
Bishop Peter admitted to feeling shocked at hearing recently of the number of people (almost 150) who turned
up to a Christmas Lunch laid on by a local church for those whose circumstances meant they might go without.
“We live in a society where an increasingly large number of people turn to food banks and emergency aid on a
regular basis, not as a one off. And increasingly these people are in work – albeit on extremely low incomes, which
makes it impossible to make ends meet….
“The global nature of the issue can make it feel too big to be tackled. We feel small, fatalistic and that nothing we
do can make a difference. But we can,” he adds.
He also challenges us, as a society, to ask the big questions and look at the root cause of problem, saying “we
must find the answers, even though doing so will not be easy or comfortable.”
Work to find next Bishop of Taunton begins
The Dioceses Commission has given formal assent to the diocese’s request that the role of Bishop of Taunton
remains following the retirement of Bishop Peter Maurice and the process of finding a successor has begun!
The Bishop of Bath & Wells, has formed a Bishop’s Advisory Group – a mixture of lay and clergy colleagues from
across the diocese, plus Dr Christina Baxter, former Chair of the General Synod House of Laity and Principal of St
John’s College in Nottingham. The Group will help Bishop Peter formulate the role description over the next
few weeks then consider names of possible candidates.
Bishop Peter Maurice will be retiring as Bishop of Taunton at the end of April and
there will be a special service in Wells Cathedral on Saturday 18th April at 2pm to say farewell & thank you
to Bishop Peter & his wife Liz. Everyone is welcome, there are no tickets. If you would like to contribute to a farewell gift,
please put your contribution in an envelope clearly marked ‘Bishop Peter retirement gift’ and put it in the collection, or give
it to Alan or any of the Churchwardens. A cheque will then be sent to Bath & Wells from our congregation.
5
BELL RINGING - ST MICHAELS
Sunday ringing: 10.15 am to 11.00 am
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH FETE
This will take place on Saturday 6th June
from 10.00am - 2.00pm
Anyone interested in helping with the Fete speak to
David Speed or Joy Rattenbury
Practices: Wednesdays 7.30pm – 9pm
1st Wednesday at High Ham
2nd Wednesday at Huish Episcopi
rd
3 , 4th and 5th Wednesdays at Somerton
John Hayter (Tower Captain) Tel: 01458 272002
SOMERTON
PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
Monday 2nd March 7.30pm
SOMERTON
Friday 6th March
Womens’ World Day of Prayer
St Dunstan’s at 2pm
CONNECT @ St MICHAEL’S
on Sunday 8th March 2015
at 7.30pm
Thursday 12th March, 80 St Cleers Orchard
2.30pm
Speaker: Mrs Phyl Greed
Come and join our Monthly Cafe Style
Discussion Event
And bring your friends
Wednesday 18th March
at 10am in St Michael’s
Corporate Communion
Topic for March:
CHILD ABUSE/
COFFEE AND CONVERSATION
ABUSE IN NURSING HOMES
Tuesday 24th March
10AM - 12
Drop into church, have a coffee,
chat to someone, bring your knitting or what ever else
you might want to do while there .
KING INA ACADEMY
EASTER CELEBRATION
Louise
On the afternoon of
Thursday 26th March
in St Michael’s
EASTER EVE CHOIR
As in previous years we are looking to have an Easter Choir to lead the singing at the
Benefice Easter Eve Service of Readings and hymns on Saturday 4th April at 6.30pm.
Rehearsals for this will be on Wednesdays evenings and Sunday afternoons on the following dates
Sundays 1st, 22nd and 29th March 3.00—4.30pm
Wednesdays 11th, 18th and 25th March 7.30 - 9.00pm
If you are willing to be part of this Easter Eve Choir please speak to James.
LENT LUNCHES
Methodist Church
Fridays 13th, 20th and 27th March
ADVANCE NOTICE - ST MICHAEL’S
ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
Wednesday 29th April 2015 at 7pm in Church
6
CHRISTINGLE SERVICE, SOMERTON – a view from the congregation
I want to congratulate everyone who had any sort of part to play in the Christingle service on 1 st February. I wish it were
more often that when walking home from a St. Michael's service the conversation was just so full of positivity and hope for
the future. It made me glad that I try to support all the services at St. Michaels regardless of content or what my personal
preference might be.
The service really was a breath of fresh air. The positivity in the building was infectious, we looked around and saw children,
it seemed like lots of them, how wonderful, and parents and possibly grandparents, many of whom I was seeing for the first
time.
The cafe style was so appropriate along with the making of the Christingles as the service progressed. Angel Voices, seen
and heard by me for the first time in St Michael's were visually attractive and made a contribution that was possibly far more
important than many might realise.
The presence of The Rock and adult helpers and parents I cannot stress enough, in my opinion, was so important. It is
important to see more input from The Rock at St. Michael's at appropriate services. They made, in my opinion, a massive
contribution to and the atmosphere of the service.
We all know and realise that all of us silver haired ones, precious though we are, have had most of our lives and certainly
don't represent the future, whereas to see the building full of life and buzzing on that morning certainly filled this particular
worshipper with hope.
Editors comment:
This was based on an edited email I received from Graham Taylor, also the attendance on the day at that Christingle was 80
adults and 21 children!!
ST MICHAEL’s is supporting
CHRISTIAN AID’S FOOD FOR CHANGE
Burkina Faso is one of the world's poorest countries.
Almost half of its 16 million inhabitants live below the poverty line.
The country's mortality rate for children under five is improving, but is still high, with more than 10% of every 1,000
children dying. Burkina Faso was severely affected by the drought that hit West Africa in 2010 and 2012, leaving
millions of people seriously short of food. The country is still suffering the effects of food crisis.
Although the region has never received large amounts of rain, the climate is getting drier and rainfall, normally seen in
July, August and September, is decreasing further. The effects are felt all too keenly by some of the poorest
communities, where harvests are failing and hunger is a painful reality. Moreover, for many access to clean, safe
water, food and healthcare is restricted as travel is difficult due to poor roads or lack of transport.
The project
Our new match funded project focuses on improving resilience and food security for poor communities in Northern
Burkina Faso. Our partners are working with local families to increase agricultural production and household income,
and to improve the nutritional state of babies under two. Focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable in 45 villages,
our project’s ambitions are rooted in the needs of the community. Our partners are local men and women who
understand first-hand the experiences, uncertainties and challenges that families in Burkina Faso face.
Through the project, households will receive improved seeds and fertilisers, as well as training in production. Farming
collectives will be developed, so that work is collaborative and benefits everyone. Additionally, livestock such as hens
will also be provided in order to protect families from ongoing droughts, providing them with food and an income
when harvests fail. Transformation can only happen when individuals, communities and churches join together to act,
give and pray for this life-changing work.
What are we doing?
We, St Michael’s PCC, have pledged to raise at least £5,000 for this project by 25 th March 2017.
European Union match funding
The EU is match funding this project 1:5, so that our £5,000 will become a staggering £30,000 to support some of the
poorest communities in Burkina Faso.
What can you do?
Pray for the people of Burkina Faso, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable.
Pray for the staff of Christian Aid with whom we are working.
Take part in our fund raising activities through the next two years and give generously
Start a standing order or Direct debit through St Michaels to make contributions to the Burkina Faso fund.
7
IN FOCUS
and pastoral care. Nearly half, 46 per
cent, of churches are addressing this
Archbishop Justin Welby has said it was issue through various organised activities
including holiday clubs, youth groups,
a foundational right to choose one’s
religion when he spoke at the launch of parent-toddler groups and lunch clubs.
According to the report, informal
the Religious Liberty Commission.
support is also being provided through
He said that there is a difference
between speaking about the persecuted social networks and friendship groups.
“It is heartening to see the Church
church and listening to those who have
responding so impressively to a range of
suffered for it. He said we need to start
different needs, including social isolation
with generosity and free will, because
religious freedom, the choice of how and and loneliness,” said the report.
The survey shows that social action is at
whether at all we follow God or turn
the core of the heart and mission of
away from God - is something that is
the Church. The data from the survey
given in creation, and in the life and
ministry of Jesus Christ, unlike beliefs of shows that more than 90 per cent of
preference and trust faith is not a leisure churches are working on at least one
social issue in their community, and on
interest. Because human beings are
made in the image of God, our religious average churches address seven local
beliefs are a core part of what it is to be problems at a single time. A third of
churches are taking on nine or more
human. They form us into who we are;
they provide foundations for our deepest issues in their local area.
A spokesman said that addressing the
convictions, and motivations for our
issues of loneliness and isolation is vital
sincerest actions. Taking responsibility
because we are living in a more
for someone else’s freedom is as
individual-focused society and are
important as protecting my own.
beginning to lack the support of close
Loneliness and isolation are biggest groups of friends and family. “At a time
when Britain has been voted the
problems facing parishes
loneliness capital of Europe and
A NEW study by Church Urban Fund
when one in 10 adults say they have no
(CUF) and the Church of England has
found that loneliness and isolation have close friends, this work is absolutely
crucial,” the study stated.
become the most commonly cited
“We live in an increasingly individualistic
social issues that face communities in
and atomised society. Through fostering
England.
social networks, friendships and family
The report, Church in Action, explained
life, churches help to provide the ‘glue’
that the issue of social isolation is
that binds people together and help
prevalent regardless of social class or
build stronger communities.”
income. In fact, it is the single problem
that is widespread among both wealthy
Archbishop praises work to combat
and deprived areas.
Ebola
“Loneliness was the only issue to be
cited by clergy as a significant problem in THE INTERNATIONAL community is
the majority of wealthier areas as well as focusing on trying to ensure that there
is no repeat of the Ebola outbreak in
deprived communities.”
West Africa, Baroness Northover told
Social isolation was listed as more
common than other issues such as family the Archbishop of Canterbury. He had
been in Sierra Leone late last year, where
breakdown, debt, mental health
he saw some of the work being
problems and unemployment by the
1,812 clergy who completed the survey. undertaken.
The problem of loneliness and isolation He said that he had heard affirmation of
the British forces and British work taking
has also increased six per cent in
three years, from 58 per cent in 2011 to place there, but people were worried
about further outbreaks.
64 per cent last year.
The study stated that these problems
Baroness Northover welcomed him to
can be tackled by strengthening the
the debate, pointing out: “A number of
church’s focus on relationship-building
Choice of religion is a ‘foundational
right’, says Archbishop
8
us were extremely concerned when he
came back from Sierra Leone and was
not himself well, so it is great to see him
here.”
She added that the World Health
Organisation has looked at its own
reform and other international bodies
will too, “but it is vital that we learnt.
Broadcasting disappointment
The decision of the BBC to abolish the
post of Head of Religion will confirm to
many its lukewarm attitude towards
the subject. To suggest that this is a cost
saving measure carries little weight since
this is an area already grossly
underfunded in comparison with others
that have far less influence on world
events! As a public funded body the BBC
has a duty to inform and promote
understanding as well as to entertain.
Most of the TV presenters on religious
topics are non specialists in a way that
would be unacceptable say in sport.
Christians should contact the
Corporation asking it to reconsider its
retrograde announcement.
In the same vain Christians are urged to
sign the petition to help Premier
Christian Radio retain its National
broadcast licence and to urge Ofcom to
resist those attempting to replace it with
yet another secular pop station. Forms
may be downloaded at
www.savepremier.org.uk.
As with any Radio Station I realise not
every programme and presenter will
appeal to every listener, but many
people have had their lives enriched by it
and its demise would be yet another
blow against religious broadcasting; so
too its confidential helpline.
Recent Tweets
Justin Welby
I’m praying today for a church so aware
of Jesus’ presence that it cannot resist
drawing close in intimacy and prayer.
William Hague and Justine Welby
We Will Speak Out today to Mobilise
faith communities on ending sexual
violence in conflict. It is a Time To Act
Down
1 Fasten (Exodus 28:37)(6)
2 Art bite (anag.) (7)
3 ‘The people of the city were divided: some _ with
the Jews, others with the apostles’ (acts 14:4)(5)
5 Contend (Jeremiah 12:5)(7)
6 Possessed (Job 1:3)(5)
7 Sheen (Lamentations 4:1)(6)
9 ‘You love evil rather than good, _ rather than
speaking the truth’ (Psalm 52:3)(9)
13 Large flightless bird (Job 39:13)(7)
14 They were worth several hundred pounds each
(Matthew 2:15)(7)
15 ‘A _ went out to sow his seed’ (Matthew 13:3)(6)
16 How ~Jesus described Jairus’s daughter when he
went into the room where she lay (Mark 5:39)(6)
18 The part of the day when the women went to the
tomb on the first Easter morning. (John 20:1)(5)
20 Narrow passageway between buildings
(Luke 14:21)(5)
Across
1 Military tactic used by Joshua to attack and destroy the city of Ai
(Joshua 8:2)(6)
4 Place of learning (6)
8 ‘When Moses’ hands grew _ , they took a stone and put it under
him and he sat on it’ (Exodus 17:12)(5)
9 Unpleasant auguries of the end of the age, as forecast by Jesus
(Matthew 24:7)(7)
10 Stronghold to which girls in King Zerxes’ harem (including Esther)
were taken (Esther 2:8)(7)
11 Where Saul went to consult a medium before fighting the
Philistines 1 Samuel 28:17)(5)
12 Propitiation (Hebrews 2:7)(9)
17 Turn away (Jeremiah 11:15)(5)
19 So clear (anag,)(7)
21 ‘I have just got _, so I can’t come’; one excuse to be absent from
the great banquet (Luke 14:20)(7)
22 Long weapon with a pointed head used by horsemen
(Job 39:23)(5)
23 Musical beat (6)
24 What the Israelites were told to use to daub blood on their
doorframes at the first Passover (Exodus 12:22)(6)
FUN TIME - Children can make us laugh
ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD 30
Across
1, Debtor. 4, shaken. 7, Ache. 8, Leavened. 9, Overcome, 13, Etc. 16 Troublemaking.
17, Par 19. Ignatius. 24, Treasurer. 25, Mene.
26, Astray. 27, Dinner.
Down
1, Deaf. 2, Behaviour. 3, Relic. 4, Swarm. 5, Aged,
6, Elect. 10, Rabbi, 11, Ocean. 12, Exalt.
13, Epicurean. 14, Cage. 15, Step. 18, Acres. 20,
Gaudy. 21, An end. 22, Fair, 23, Fear.
DID YOU KNOW?
There is a Christian TV channel on
Freeview. TBN UK Channel 65.
Great talks and music.
There are things for everyone's taste, so
skip the programmes that don't suit you
and find something that suits you
better...... it's just a matter of choosing.
Go online and google TBN UK to view
the programme schedule.
Chris Thomas
Nathan, after his first day at school, returned home and told his mother, 'I'm
wasting my time at school. I can't read, I can't write, and they won't let me
talk.'
9
Other Services
Laburnum Drive
Monday 9th March
Communion 2.30pm
Parsonage Close
Monday 16th March
Communion 10am
Wessex House
Friday 27th March
Communion 10:30 am
THE BENEFICE
ROCK ACTIVITY CHURCH
for children up to 11 year old
Sundays - 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th March
10:30am till 12.30 at the Wessex Rooms, Somerton
More info: Chris Thomas 224027 or
Sandy Symonds 272029
WOMENS’ WORLD
DAY OF PRAYER
Wednesday’s @ St Michael’s
10am Holy Communion
4th March - Alan Symonds
11th March - Adrian Hopwood
18th March - Chris Hopkins
25th March - Alan Symonds
1st April - Chris Hopkins
Jesus said to them,
"Do you know what I have
done to you?"
St Dunstan’s
Friday 6th March at 2pm
TAIZE SERVICE
7:30pm On Saturday 14th
March in St Michael’s
FRIDAY MONTHLY MATTINS
ST MICHAEL’S - SOMERTON
10.00am
Friday 20th March- Chris Hopkins
A contemplative style of worship based on the
framework of the Community in Taize in music,
prayers and scripture.
PALM
SUNDAY
It is Passover time,
A busy time,
people jostling,
riding donkeys.
Near a gate of Jerusalem
A smallish,
almost non-descript
donkey stood tethered.
None seemed to want him
until two men approached.
They looked and then nodded.
He will do nicely.
A fellow nearby shouted,
“What are you doing?”
For our Master’s need
to ride this donkey.
Jesus patted this smallish beast,
Climbed on his back
To the donkey’s delight.
“Where am I going?” he thought?.
To his astonishment shouts
clamoured about his ears
palm branches tickled his side.
Who is on my back?
My feet took my rider
Over cobblestones to the temple
He patted me on my back
A job well done!
Sometime later
A passer-by said, “Look!”
A cross this donkey has
marked clearly on his back.
I had my triumphal hour,
An honour no other had.
Carrying the Saviour of the world
To cleanse his Father’s temple.
Marianne Dorman
DEANERY CONFIRMATION
ADVANCE NOTICE - ARCHDEACONRY VISITATION
Wednesday 20th May 7pm
St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells
Thursday 26th March
10
WHO’S WHO IN THE BENEFICE
Priest in Charge
The Revd Alan Symonds, The Vicarage,Sutton Road
Tel: 01458 272029 (Day off Thursday)
(Emergencies only on Thursdays please)
Curate:
The Revd Chris Hopkins
Tel: 01458 448250
Reader
Jenny Gollop
Tel: 01458 223516
Rodger Calderwood
Alan Hilborne
Mrs Sue Cooper
Mr Chris Gollop
Mrs Dot Squire
Brian Wellstead
Mrs Bel Allan
Tel: 01458 270132
Tel: 01458 273178
Tel: 01458 223219
Tel: 01458 223516
Tel: 01458 224260
Tel: 01458 223583
Tel: 01935 840878
Chair - Revd Alan Symonds
Deputy Chair - Rodger Calderwood
Secretary - David Speed
Treasurer - Michael Green
Lay Chair - Mrs Liz Bale
Secretary - Mrs Andrea de Berker
Treasurer - Andrew Goldsworthy/Stacey Goldsworthy
Lay Chair - Nick Allen
Secretary - Nick Allen
Treasurer - Alan Carnall
Tel: 01458 272029
Tel: 01458 270132
Tel: 01458 272907
Tel: 01458 272429
Tel: 01458 223164
Tel: 01458 223227
Tel: 01458 223893
Tel: 01935 840878
Tel: 01935 840878
Tel: 01935 840692
Jacky Calderwood
Tel: 01458 272029
Church Wardens
Somerton
Charltons
Kingsdon
PCCs
Somerton
Charltons
Kingsdon
Parish Assistant
Located in the Benefice Office, The Vicarage, Sutton Road
Wednesday, Thursday mornings and Friday
Director of Music,
Somerton, CONTACT
Editor and Webmaster
James Turner
Charltons Organist
Mrs Evelyn Buckland and Rota
CONTACT distribution
Jan Turner
Tel: 01458 270096
(email to [email protected] or
leave items on the notice board on the south wall of the Church)
Tel: 01458 270096
From the Registers
Funerals
26th January - Sheila Parsons aged 86
2nd February - David Burt aged 62
5th February - Keith Wooldridge aged 77
6th February - Ros Knight aged 66
12th February - Owen Rood aged 85
Baptisms
8th February - Evie Lily Brierley - Stamp
Burial of Ashes
23rd January - Christine Anderson aged 87
12th February - Peggy Crang aged 92
11
*** BENEFICE HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES ***
Monday 30th March - Compline - 8pm - Somerton (John Hutton)
Tuesday 31st March - Compline - 8 pm - Somerton (Chris Hopkins)
Wednesday 1st April - Compline - 8pm - Somerton (Marion Hilborne)
Maundy Thursday, 2nd April - Holy Communion at Charlton Adam - 7pm (Chris Hopkins)
Good Friday, 3rd April - Meditation - Charlton Adam (Chris Hopkins)
Good Friday, 3rd April - 3 hours at the Cross - Somerton - 12-3pm
(Jenny Gollop/Joy Rattenbury/James Turner)
Good Friday, 3rd April - Good Friday Service - Kingsdon - 2.00pm (Adrian Hopwood)
Good Friday, 3rd April - Walk of Witness in Somerton - 4.15pm
Easter Saturday, - 4th April - Service of hymns, songs and readings
in St Michael’s, Somerton - 6.30pm (Alan Symonds)
Easter Sunday, 5th April
Easter Sunday, 5th April
Easter Sunday, 5th April
Easter Sunday, 5th April
Easter Sunday, 5th April
- Service in the field at top of Horsemill Lane- 5.30am (Alan Symonds)
- Holy Communion - Somerton - 8am (Adrian Hopwood)
- Holy Communion - Charlton Mackrell - 9.30am (Chris Hopkins)
- Family Service with Communion - Somerton-10.00am (Alan Symonds)
- Holy Communion - Kingsdon - 11.00am (Chris Hopkins)
Benefice Sunday Services
Sunday
Somerton
8.00am
Holy Communion
1st March
11.00am Café Service
2nd Sunday of Lent Charlton Mackrell
9.30am
Sunday
Alan Symonds
Healing Holy Communion Chris Hopkins
Kingsdon
11.00am Holy Communion
Chris Hopkins
Somerton
8.00am
Chris Hopkins
8th March
Holy Communion (BCP)
11.00am Holy Communion
Chris Hopkins/John Greed
7.30pm
Connect @ St Michael’s
Chris Hopkins/James Turner
8.00am
Holy Communion (BCP)
Alan Symonds
9.30am
Holy Communion
Alan Symonds
Kingsdon
11.00am Holy Communion
Alan Symonds
Somerton
8.00am
Alan Symonds
3rd Sunday of Lent
Charlton Adam
Sunday
Alan Symonds
15th March
Holy Communion
11.00am Mothering Sunday Praise
Audrey Stanford/Alan Symonds
Alan Symonds
Mothering
Sunday
Charlton Mackrell
9.30am
All Age Service
Kingsdon
11.00am All Age Service
Norma Black
Sunday
Somerton
8.00am
Holy Communion
Alan Symonds
22nd March
11.00am Holy Communion
Alan Symonds
5th Sunday of Lent
6.30pm
Healing Service
Rodger Calderwood
8.00am
Holy Communion (BCP)
Adrian Hopwood
Charlton Adam
Sunday
9.30am
Holy Communion
Alan Symonds
Kingsdon
9.30am
Holy Communion
Adrian Hopwood
Somerton
8.00am
Holy Communion
Chris Hopkins
29th March
11.00am Healing Holy Communion Chris Hopkins/Jenny Gollop
PALM SUNDAY
6.30pm
Churches Together
St Dunstan's
Charlton Mackrell
9.30am
Holy Communion
Alan Symonds
Kingsdon
11.00am Mattins
12
Alan Symonds