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PRAYER AND HOUSE GROUPS

House Groups and Prayer Groups welcome new people to join together for

prayer, praise, Bible Study and fellowship. Come and be a part of the Body of

Christ!

Prayer Group meets in church from 10.30 - 11am on Tuesdays

Ecumenical House Group on the Actis Estate meets on the first Monday of the

month at various people‟s houses. Contact Margaret Bryant on 833093.

Afternoon House Group meets on alternate Tuesdays from

2.30 - 4.15pm at 1 Heritage Court. Contact Eileen Stephenson 830459.

Evening House Group meets on 2nd & 4th Thursday evenings at 7.30pm in

Willcox Close Common Room. Contact Jane Wren 831830.

Afternoon House Group meets on a Friday at 2.30pm in Willcox Close

Common Room. Contact Ann Partlow 830378.

Please give/send contributions for the WINTER „Easter People‟ to

Mary Powell 01458 831830 OR to Helen Wade - Tel: 01458 210885

Email: kenhelwade@yahoo.co.uk

By 15th November 2009 at the latest. Thank you.

August to November 2009

Banner for Circuit Service created by Ken Wade

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THE METHODIST CHURCH SOMERSET MISSION CIRCUIT

(until September, when it will change to Somerset Mendip Circuit)

Chairman of the District:

Rev A Ward Jones 9 Styles Park, Frome Tel: 01373 462092

Circuit Ministers:

Rev Nick Lakin 29 Downside, Street, Somerset BA16 0DL

Tel: 01458 442313 Email: nicklakin@tiscali.co.uk Rev Ken Chalmers 2 Parsonage Crescent, Ansford, Castle Cary.

Tel: 01963 351598

Rev Colin Anderton Argyll House, 3 The Cross, Baltonsborough.

Tel: 01458 850104

Lay Pastoral and Community Worker:

Mrs Janet Day 7 Allen Drive, Shepton Mallet BA4 5GJ

Tel: 01749 344964

Circuit Stewards:

Mr Roy Bryant 3 Bella View Gardens, Glastonbury

Tel: 01458 833093

Mr David Kirkman Froggat House, Mill Lane, Barton St David

Tel: 01458 850040

Mr Roger Thompson 14 Priorygate Court, Castle Cary

Tel: 01963 351494

Mrs Katie Webb 3 Barn Green, Glastonbury

Tel: 01458 833304

Church Stewards:

Mrs Paddy Coleman Thimble Cottage, 14 Bove Town, Glastonbury

Tel: 01458 833096

Mrs Valerie Creed Knapp Farm, West Pennard

Tel: 01458 851116

Mr Duncan Smith 55 Norbins Road, Glastonbury Tel: 01458 831858

Tel: 01458 831858

Mrs Myra Telfer 44 Boundary Way, Glastonbury

Tel: 01458 837867

Mr Ken Wade Stoneleigh, 27 Station Road, Shapwick

Tel: 01458 210885

Mr Philip Wren Old Coach House, Bella View Gardens, Glastonbury

Tel:01458 831540

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Thoughts on ‘Love’

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power - The world will know peace.”

Jimi Hendrix

Love is forgiveness Forgiveness is love.

I would rather have a wealth of love

Than a love of wealth.

You can give without loving, But you can’t love without giving.

Lyn Bevan

A True Story?????

A Presbyterian Minister in Scotland was on his way back to the manse one night and was driving along a country lane when he nearly knocked an old man off his bicycle - he had no lights. The minister looked in his driving mirror and saw the old feller was wobbling about a bit, so he pulled in and got out of his car. “Are you all right?” he asked. “Well only just” said the old man, “you missed me by a whisker.” “Well you’ve got no lights” said the minister, “but anyway - are you sure you’re all right?” “Yes I think so” said the old man. He looked a bit shaky so the minister pulled out a calling card (the sort he put through people’s doors if they were out when he visited) and said “Take this, and if you need any help at all, give me a ring.” Then he got into his car and drove off. The old man looked at the card and on it it had the minister’s name and address and then at the bottom it said.......... “Sorry to have missed you, I’ll try again tomorrow.”

Vera Bowring

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Getting to know............ Helen Wade Helen, the eldest of five children - four girls and a boy, was born in July 1945. Her father was serving in the Air Force in Iceland, so she was born at her grandmother’s home in Wistaston, near Crewe Cheshire. Her first 11 years took her to Manchester, back to Wistaston, Whitby, Hanworth, Hayes and then to Coventry where she stayed until she was married to Ken in 1965. Helen’s parents were strong Methodists; her great-grandfather and grandfather were both local preachers. She met Ken at the Methodist Church where both families were very active. Ken’s dad had been Sunday School Superintendent and Organist, and after Helen moved to Coventry, her father was Organist and Choir Master. Looking back, she talks very fondly of the adults there who nurtured her and, through time, she made her decision to become a Christian during a service led by a local preacher, Mr White! Helen trained as a Secretary. Married life began in Derby and during the five years she was there both children were born - a son Robin and daughter Lucy. They then moved to Nuneaton due to a promotion with Ken’s job. They had a lovely 10 years there and when Lucy was 6 Helen returned to work - at first to run a pre-school on a double decker bus, which travelled to the car parks of Pubs for 10 sessions a week giving local children the opportunity for play and social interactive times. She then moved to a Middle School as the secretary. Life at the town church was a busy one and both she and Ken took an active part in the organisations and programme of church worship. At that time there were many people their age moving with their professions, so they were asked by the Minister to bring them into church life and so ‘feel at home.’ A house group seemed to ‘beckon’ and they ran a monthly group, which changed its venue each time with a varied devotional and social programme. Through this group, over the years, many became good friends, came to know the Lord, and held official roles within the church family. In 1982 the family moved to Shapwick. Helen became secretary at Elmwood School in Bridgwater where she stayed for 10 years. The family were transferred to Street Methodist Church where they worshipped for about 2 years, but then made the decision to worship locally - so moved to Pedwell. However, they soon became interested in the bells at Shapwick Church, so it seemed sensible to worship there and did so for about 20 years. When the children were past school age, Helen moved to a post in the Youth & Children’s Department at the Diocese of Bath & Wells and was able to holiday outside term times! She remained there for 8 years and finished paid work in 1999. Both Robin and Lucy are married now and Helen is a proud grandma to six - 4 girls and 2 boys, so enjoys visiting them in Gateshead and Reading respectively. Nearly 3 years ago Helen & Ken came to GMC. You will know that Helen began the local preaching course in January of this year, after being encouraged to think and pray about this by several people last year and she would like to thank everyone for their friendship and wonderful support. I would like to end this short account of Helen’s story by thanking she and Ken for all they do for our church here. Eileen Stephenson

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Rev Nick Lakin

29 Downside

STREET

Somerset

BA16 0DL

Tel: 01458 442313

Email: nicklakin@tiscali.co.uk

August 2009

My Dear Friends

Born in Song!

Methodism was ‘born in song’, so they say. It was Brian Hoare, a past

President of the Methodist Conference, who quite recently penned a hymn

with this same title. As we reflect on the history of the Methodist Church,

we remember that Charles Wesley wrote over 6000 hymns during the

period which gave birth to the Methodist Church. Many of Wesley’s original

hymns are still present in our current hymn books.

Music plays an important part in the lives of so many people and it has a

special place within Christian worship. There is a saying attributed to

differing people, but certainly to St Augustine, ‘He who sings, prays twice’. Music, along with other art forms, can help us express ourselves in worship

at a much deeper level than merely reciting mechanical phrases. Music can

lift our spirits, it can inspire our souls and it touches our emotions in a way

that words alone can never do.

It is important to recognize that we all have different tastes and whilst one

hymn may help and elate some of us it will set other people's teeth on edge.

Another hymn might do the exact opposite. However, both hymns would

reveal, hopefully, something of our faith which leads us to worship. It is

difficult to find a hymn that will simultaneously touch the hearts of every

person, but every hymn will help someone to worship God.

Music is a powerful vehicle which can lead us into God's presence. Great skill

and care has gone into the writing of music. The words and music of so many

hymns help us to worship as one and they express something of the truth of

God and our relationship with him. Indeed, the most important function of a

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hymn is to draw us deeper into a relationship with God. The words of the

Psalms are full of invitations for us to sing God’s praises…

‘Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise.’ (Psalms 66:1-2)

‘O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth.’ (Psalms 96:1)

‘I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long.’ (Psalms 146:2)

So, it is not just Methodism that was ‘born in song’; it goes right back to our

Christian roots. Let us keep singing!

Every blessing

Nick

Auction of Promises Many thanks to all those who offered promises so generously and to those who attended and bought the offers. Huge thanks too to Peter Taylor for his auctioning skills and humour that helped to relieve us of our money. As most of you know, nearly £1500 was raised and a lot of it was Gift Aided so that will add another few hundred to the total. It was a sociable evening too and we hope that everyone who bought and gave enjoyed their promises. Val Creed.

ON BEHALF OF US ALL, THANK YOU VAL !

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SOMERSET CHURCHES TOGETHER www.sctog.org.uk

Seeks

to provide both information and a personal link with local ecumenical groups,

Councils of Churches, Church Together and churches in a local area working

together on a more informal basis

To encourage and nurture all local ecumenism in the area and to initiate such

activity where appropriate

To maintain communication with Churches Together in England, the Council of

Churches in Britain and Ireland and the World Council of Churches and the

ecumenical movement in the wider church and between local ecumenism and the

parent denominational bodies

To encourage and enable the formation of new Local Ecumenical Partnership and

Local covenants and to be the first source of reference for advice, approval and

support.

Membership

Representatives from The Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton; The Anglican Diocese of

Bath & Wells; The South West Province of the United Reformed Church; The Bristol

Diocese of the Methodist Church, The Plymouth & Exeter District of the Methodist

Church; The West of England Baptist Association; The South Western Baptist

Association; The Religious Society of Friends; the Salvation Army; The Congregational

Federation and The Greek Orthodox Church.

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN GLASTONBURY Secretary: Helen Wade

GMC Forum Representative - Sue Thurgood

Please do contact Sue if you have ideas/suggestions for the future programme so she

can feed this into committee meetings.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

September 12th - Friends of Somerset Chapels and Churches

Sponsored Bike Ride and Walk. Telephone 01749 672327

AUTUMN FORUM

‘Christians Together in a Spiritual Age’

Saturday 17th October 2009

10 - 3.45pm Locking Castle Church, Weston Super Mare

(see LINK & notice board for further details)

November 21st - 2pm Songs of Praise Wells Cathedral.

(A service to bring to an end the Bath & Wells Diocese‟s 1100th Anniversary

Celebrations)

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O n a very wet Sunday in May, the intrepid band of walkers once again set out to support St Margaret's Somerset Hospice by taking part in their 'Best Foot Forward'

Charity walk. Ann & Brian Partlow, Martyn Webb, Valerie Creed, Ken Wade and Mary Powell started beside the canal in Stoke St Michael and ended up, damp, weary and hungry at St Margaret's Hospice in Taunton about six miles later. This represents the final leg of the journey begun five years ago by Brian & Mary and Martyn, from the Hospice at Yeovil to the original site in Taunton. Although none of us has actually walked the whole 34 miles, we have all taken part in sections of it in order to support this very special charity.

Thanks to your generosity and donations from Shapwick Bell Ringers, Martyn's friends and family and the residents at Willcox Close, we were able to send nearly £200 to St Margaret's for their work. Many thanks to all of you. St Margaret's has recently started a new local service which may be of interest. They have opened two Community Support Centres, one in Williton and the other here in Glastonbury. These are facilities where patients with a life-limiting illness, their families and carers, can all benefit from the care, support and advice from a team of specialist health care professionals and a complementary therapist, on a weekly basis. The centres offer friendly, informal environments where anyone experiencing issues around life-limiting illness can talk to specialist health care professionals, and gain invaluable support, advice and information to help make life more comfortable. Patients and/or their families and carers can find mutual support and meet others in similar circumstances, in a comfortable, safe and caring environment. The centres will also host monthly specialist clinics, bringing a number of clinical services for physiotherapy and breathlessness, as well as Lymph oedema right into the heart of our local community. The Centre will operate as a drop-in service at the West Mendip Community Hospital on Thursdays from 10am-3pm. The specialist clinics are by referral only. Please contact St Margaret's Yeovil (01935) 709480 for up-to-date information.

Mary Powell

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN GLASTONBURY

3 PM -SUNDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2009 (FORECOURT OF ST JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH)

GLASTONBURY

ALL WELCOME

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To remember SANDRA ALLAN (a member of GMC 20 years ago)

Her daughter CLAIRE invites you to join her on

Saturday 26th September

10.30am - 3pm Refreshments and Cake Stall (all donations welcome)

12.30 - 2pm Lunch (jacket potatoes, salads etc.)

All proceeds to MacMillan Cancer Care

- 000 -

The Church will also be available during this time for prayer and

remembrance of loved ones.

- 000 -

Sunday 27th September

10.45am Richard Jones from BibleLands leads Worship

Lunch to follow

Gift Aid envelopes available to support

BibleLands’ Princess Basma Centre in Jerusalem

Congratulations Vera on your Special Day

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This Eulogy was given at the Funeral Service for our

dear friend Margot Paddon at Haycombe Crematorium in

Bath on Friday 24 July 2009.

Margaret Helen McIver (Margot) Paddon was born into a

naval family in 1919, the third of three children born to

Louisa and Frederick Paddon. Margot had a brother,

John, and a sister, Betty, and they lived in Cosham, near

Portsmouth. Margot played with the children of other

naval families when she was young and her father was

often away at sea. Margot adored her family.

Margot was twenty when WW II broke out. Sadly, her father died of a stroke

at the start of the war, whilst Margot and her sister, Betty, were called up into the

WRENS. She was initially sent to Malta. She sailed on the second convoy from

Liverpool to Valetta – the first convoy having all been drowned. They were required to

be dressed 24 hours a day, ready for action. From Malta she was stationed in Sicily and

then in Naples. She stayed in Italy for the remainder of the war.

In 1947, Margot enrolled as a nurse at the Royal Sussex Hospital in Brighton.

After she was qualified, she joined the QARNC as an army nurse. She served in the

British Army Hospital just outside Nairobi in Kenya. This was during the time of the

Mau Mau Uprising. It was a very dangerous place for Margot to be. She needed an

armed escort to protect her as she worked and she often carried a revolver – keeping it

with her even during the night. During her time in Kenya, she learnt to speak Swahili.

She then moved to a British base in Hanover, Germany. After this, Margot

became a Sister Tutor at the Greenwich Military Hospital. In the 1960’s, Margot came

out of the army and served as Assistant Matron in hospitals in Kent and Devon. She

then worked as Community Nurse and Midwife in Cullompton, Devon. She then

worked in a similar role in Shapwick, Catcott and Street.Margot loved midwifery,

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Thank you to the Sunday School and everyone for the lovely big green plant

pot. I am cogitating over what will be the best to put into it - acer? turtuosa hazel?

flowering shrub? Whatever it finally decides to be, it will be a lovely reminder of the

challenges and joys of working with the children and young people. Christmas plays and

parties, craft days and making things, sharing news and discovering God's work in our

world and in our lives are all special memories. The fascination (and frustration) of

planning a lesson, and then discovering that it was of no interest but it sparked off a

discussion about faith and God in real life. The fun of playing 'pass the parcel' and the

sheer exuberance of running down the Tor or around the Abbey Grounds. I'm honoured

to have had a small part in each child's life and hope that it will be remembered as a

positive influence. I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for

your faithfulness in praying, writing, listening and supporting me in so many ways over

the past 2 years. It has been such a painful and at times bleak journey, and it is not over

yet. I want the depression to be totally gone and to be able to do everything I once could

- right now - but it doesn't work that way. There are still times when everything feels

empty and pointless, and I struggle to see a vision of wholeness and hope in my life.

But you as the people of God and as Christ's hands have shown me such love and I love

you all for it. Please keep praying. Mary Powell

Bell Ringing Fund Raiser at Shapwick

Brian, Ann and Mark - the ‘washer upperers’! A task so much appreciated! Thank you to those who could manage to come to hear and see the bells ringing in Shapwick. A Quiz and Tea followed in the Village Hall and it is fantastic to report that over £250 was raised for the final fund raiser for the Access Ramp. Helen Wade

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WF Autumn Programme 2009 All meetings at 2.30 - 4pm (unless otherwise stated) We welcome all who wish to join us either regularly or just to hear one or two speakers. September 2nd Members - Venue TBA 9th Mr Mills - at URC 16th Members - Harvest bring & buy Venue TBA 23rd AGM - Mrs Janet Day 30th BibleLands Christine & Michael +URC Gifts to Princess Basma Centre Jerusalem (in memory of Sandra Allan) October 7th Sue Thurgood - Visit to Ypres +URC 14th Revd Nick Lakin 18th WF SUNDAY 10.45 Dorcas Hewish Church Lunch 1pm - List in Church Hall 21st 2.30 RALLY - Speaker Janet Day 3.30 Cream Tea & chat. All welcome 28th TBA November During this month we shall be joining URC some weeks. Please see Link for up-to-date details. URC’s meetings are as follows: 4th Mr Bryer 11th Gideons 18th Revd Tim Richards 25th Rowena Harding, Salvation Army December 2nd Advent Hymns & Carols +URC 9th Over-80’s gifts Next meeting on 6 Jan 2010 - Members Meeting

Clever Anagrams! Dormitory: When you rearrange the letters: DIRTY ROOM Presbyterian: When you rearrange the letters: BEST IN PRAYER The eyes: When you rearrange the letters: THEY SEE Eleven plus two: When you rearrange the letters: TWELVE PLUS ONE

7

especially her time delivering babies in Africa. She saw poverty in Africa and in Devon,

where people would put babies in make-shift cribs made out of the bottom drawer.

Margot was devoted to her mother. They went on holiday together and

Margot was very sad when her mother died.

After her retirement, Margot did much voluntary work at Chalice Well in

Glastonbury and for the Cat Sanctuary at Heaven’s Gate. Indeed, her own cats were

very spoilt!

Margot adored opera; she especially enjoyed listening to Maria Callas and

Elizabeth Schwarzkopf. She also enjoyed reading, drawing and painting.

Margot was great fun, she loved to laugh and she enjoyed being with children.

She was a kind and generous lady who put others before herself - and she had the

capacity to speak her mind plainly.

Margot was a woman of great faith who lived her life according to the

Christian ethos. Margot always said that she was never bored.

We remember in our thoughts and prayers those who were closest to Margot.

SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER 2009 CHURCH HALL - 12 for 12.30pm

LUNCH AND QUIZ Join us on All Hallow’s Eve for a simple lunch of bread, cheese and home made soup with a fun quiz to follow. Donations for the work of Christian Aid. There will also be a Fair Trade Raffle Results from Christian Aid Week: the house to house this year raised a total of £3793, about £170 less than last year, which was a record. As we had fewer collectors and fewer roads were covered, this was an excellent result. So, many thanks to all who collected or donated money. Overall we have raised £6100 since last July, up on last year. This includes the Lent Lunches (£905), school cake sales (£386), and other fundraising and donations. I am so grateful to you all for the support you give me each year. I would like to say that the need for aid is getting less, but unfortunately, it is actually more with the current recession. So the work of Christian Aid is even more important! Katie Webb

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Now that’s Commitment!

For those of you who were unable to attend the Annual General Church Meeting this year, you may be unaware that two presentations were made to Sunday School teachers. Mary Powell has stepped down and we thanked her for her years as a much loved, enthusiastic teacher at Glastonbury, She was given an outside garden pot, as a memento. Mary Heal has notched up no less than 40 years at Glastonbury as both teacher and musical producer and she is still involved on an "ad hoc" basis with JAFFA. Added to

this is the 20 years Mary was a Sunday School teacher in the North of England. Wow! That’s 60 years - and that takes some beating!! Mary Heal was presented with a crystal vase on an engraved plinth. Mary (or Auntie Mary as she is affectionately known) has been a faithful, loving and loyal teacher who has been dedicated to the children of our church here for all of this time.

Both Marys are much loved and its great to be able to express our thanks and appreciation.

Val Creed

Dates to Note

Saturday 19th September 10am Outside Clean Up and pruning to get the

garden/back sorted for the winter.

Free Lunch!!

Sunday 4th October 10.45am Harvest Festival

(Anyone is welcome to help in decorating the church on Saturday morning)

Monday 5th October 7pm Harvest Supper

(Help with making apple pies and laying out the meal. Contact Val Creed)

Week beginning 5th October Family Week

Sunday 11th October 10.45am Church Anniversary

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Do something......

for Christ's sake!

(A message from a Traidcraft leaflet)

Help us do more!

In your church by serving Traidcraft tea and coffee and supporting the Traidcraft

stall.

In your supermarket look out for the growing range of TRAIDCRAFT-branded

products.

FIGHT POVERTY THROUGH TRADE.

Traidcraft is a Christian response to poverty -

By trading directly with poor producers we help them work their way out of

poverty

By developing their skills and their knowledge we help them achieve their God-

given potential

By influencing those who practice and govern trade we create new opportunities

for the poor

Traidcraft is a simple and effective way to respond to Jesus' command for us to

love God and serve the world.

Eileen Stephenson

Glastonbury Care Home Services These are held at 2.30pm:

Monday 14th September

Monday 12th October

Monday 9th November

Monday 11th January 2010

Please contact Janet Day

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140th Anniversary Thank you so very much for your generous support on Sundays 5

th & 12

th July. I was very grateful to Duncan

stepping in at the last minute to lead our worship when Dorcas’ husband Ken was ill. It was also lovely to meet Sara Shearman, our new area representative (from Dorchester) who shared some of the past, present and future work of caring, fostering, adopting & loving “for as long as it takes”.

Duncan reminded us that we are adopted into God’s family by Christ’s death. Our trust in Him, even when we rebel or drift away, means He never gives up on us. So it is with AFC who never give up on those they are there for. One newer initiative is helping young people stay out of prison or youth detention centres by one-to-one guidance and giving them back their self-worth by finding what they can do and what interests they have and so encourage them to find a new way in life. It has worked every time so far and some go on to help others in similar circumstances who listen to them for they have been there too. Duncan also reminded us that brothers and sisters don’t get on together all the time. In our Christian Family we must have God’s help to love, accept and encourage each other, working together to find God’s Plan for us. We go forward in love, discussion and faith to spread His Work in our communities. Someone once said “When I see the people of that church not arguing then I might see something in the Christian faith”. Someone else said “Those Christians are so loving,” and another said “I want to know about this hands-on Jesus,” after someone had mowed his lawns for weeks without wanting anything for it. And on 12

th July we had a wonderful meal after the service. So thank you to

everyone who helped in any way to make it happen. Envelopes raised £102.97 gift aided; £29.60 not aided Sunday lunch raised £124.00 gift aided; £18.00 not aided. Total £274.57 plus an extra £63 or so when the gift aid tax is reclaimed. Boxes have raised £208 so far. Thanks to all Box Holders. If you didn’t pick up an AFC bookmark on those Sundays, and would like one, some will be available at church. There are also some information booklets for you - real stories - so you can see what your money goes to achieve.

Christine Ball

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Journey to Death and Beyond- (One couple’s Story)

My husband Joe had never been a believer – he thought there was nothing beyond death – death was an end in itself. However throughout our 43 years of married life I prayed for him constantly always believing that he would find a spiritual side to life- which in him was not functioning. During the year of 2007 it was obvious that Joe was becoming more unwell – his eating patterns changed and he lost much weight. He refused to go to the doctor and of course I continued to worry! Life was dominated by concerns of which we were unable to communicate. Life seemed to be heading for a dark tunnel of which there was no end! In late September after I had come back from a holiday with my brother I found Joe had suddenly done a lot of decorating which had been on the agenda for some time but never tackled before. I was pleased but more worried! However when Joe had a severe stomach upset I was able to call the doctor – this was one of the first events in which I saw God take a positive step. The doctor who came was a young GP in training – Joe immediately struck up a good rapport with this young doctor whose nature and approach suited Joe – Joe was able to talk to him freely and valued his judgments. This illness started a round of hospital visits and consultations – during which the news of his condition seemed to get worse and worse. Spiritually I felt a lot of the time lifted by the prayers of others – I was often too introspective to pray myself. God - again in a positive way gave me a picture to hold onto – as I was drifting off to sleep one night I sensed God’s hand over me it was large and comforting over both of us and it gave me a wonderful sense of peace. After a month of tests came the verdict that Joe had terminal cancer and there was no active treatment possible as it had spread to various parts of the body. This was confirmation of our worst fears. Our GP was a rock for Joe and he was able to communicate with him when it was needed. I was supported by the GP as well as I could talk frankly and objectively in private. I found great comfort in God’s word in Isiaiah50 v 10” The one who walks in dark places with no light – let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on His God” God’s unchanging love is with us no matter what the outcome may be. Joe’s bravery was great- he immersed himself in projects in the garden – even though autumn and winter were approaching and the weather was against him. He was

10

determined to keep going as long as possible and maintaining his social contacts. However he became weaker – there were many days when I felt I just could not go on – but I had to trust that God would work things out. I had great support from friends and family both in Glastonbury and beyond. Joe told one or two business colleagues and a few friends but did not want any fuss. Therefore we developed strategies to cope with enquiries and visits – I used email a lot to keep people updated and we told people not to phone unless I phoned them first. Christmas came and went- we both tried hard but it was useless. I relied on God when I felt I just could not go on Phillipians4 v 19 “ My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.” I needed lots of “top up” in the Spirit. God gave a lovely picture of the temple with it’s inner and outer courts. In prayer we can come into these courts – sometimes just the outer court but in deeper prayer into the inner court- here we meet with God’s Spirit. Within is the circle of love and prayer - not only our own prayer but the prayers of others who pray for us. God’s love however cannot be contained it will continue to flow in and around the situations that we bring to Him and that love will break out to others too. The circle of love and prayer was very evident as things moved on to the final outcome. Joe received the best of care and attention – the family were able to visit -the GP was available and approachable when we felt things were becoming almost unbearable. Finally Joe died one sunny winter afternoon when both I and my daughter were with him he had waited for us to come – his eyes were open he breathed 4 final deep breaths and died in peace. On the way walking back home a flock of starlings flew over head back to the Westhay Reserve and I knew it was God’s way of saying that Joe’s spirit was now free – he was able to soar away with the birds in perfect freedom. I have no doubt that Joe met with Jesus – when Joe saw Jesus he would recognise him. All the prayers over all the years God would never deny – we are told to pray without ceasing and God who is loving and forgiving answers prayer. In Revelation it says “to the thirsty I will give the water of life as a gift.” I have been privileged to see at work God’s abundant love and forgiveness and to experience that the word of God nourishes the soul. I have found too that there has to be patience in sorrow- there is a long and painful journey– there are many stages to go through and a bit like snakes and ladders – if you try and cheat the process you will land on a big snake - which will throw you back to the beginning! However I can confidently say that I do not fear my own death – I am sure that our loving God will work things out – He holds all our purposes in His hands and it is Him alone who is able to heal the heart.

Sue Thurgood

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enables him to listen to God and then to respond to God’s influence. He also stressed that we can pray to God in the most unlikely of situations - he instanced a time when he was moved by the beauty of God’s creation upon seeing a sparkling speck of mineral in a tar macadam footpath! The Bishop feels that it’s very important to savour the ‘here and now’ and to give thanks for it. We can choose to live in the past, or be fearful of the future - but it’s far more positive to live in the present. Our lives have a beginning and an end, but God is infinite and therefore can see his creation from an entirely different perspective. We should therefore leave our worries with Him, for our worries really may not be worth worrying about. The Bishop was an outstanding speaker, who spoke with humility and sincerity. After his memorable talk, I rushed to GMC to attend David Ogden’s workshop entitled “Jazz it Up”. There were just six of us for this session, together with his delightful four year old daughter, Suzanne. I met with David some years ago, when he was Director of Music at Clifton Cathedral, and we discussed possible repertoire for Kindred Spirits Jazz Band. I was therefore aware of his musical prowess and expertise, but I hadn’t experienced his conducting skills. What he did during this workshop was to teach us six gospel songs and spirituals. We were of varying musical ability, but he inspired us all to join in and sing with great fervour and conviction. It was an exhilarating and moving experience, which we all enjoyed. It never ceases to amaze me that there is just so much inspiring music available for church use. At the end of the session and as I waited to lock up the church, David and I talked whilst he picked up his music and Suzanne’s toys. Perhaps the loveliest experience of the day for me was to see her beaming smile as Dad said that as a reward for having been such a well behaved little girl throughout the afternoon, they would head straight for the toy shop and a well deserved ice cream! A walk through the bustling Abbey Grounds on my way home brought a very special afternoon to a close for me and I was glad to have been able to support and participate in the Diocese’s very special celebration.

Philip Wren

I had the opportunity to go to the Worship Service and the end of day Concert featuring Youthful Spirit, the fantastic gospel choir from Churchill Community School, as well as a Jazz group and Lyrica Ladies Choir. The Concert concluded with a good

message from the Bishop of Reading. One of the things that stood out about the day to me was just the fact of seeing so many families all together enjoying Christian fellowship and fun. There were tots and grannies, young people and the not-so-young united in a common purpose of praising and celebrating God's goodness for so many centuries in this area and around the globe.

Mary Powell

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1100 Years of the Diocese of Bath & Wells The Diocese of Bath & Wells celebrated its 1100th Anniversary on the 4th July at Glastonbury Abbey with a day full of activities for the whole Christian church. Concerts, children's crafts and entertainment, dance, drama, workshops in various locations around the town (including our church) were just some of the events on offer. Bishop Peter had been hiking around his diocese for a few weeks, appearing on local TV and Somerset Sound and meeting with people he’d never otherwise have met. His hike ended at Glastonbury in a well choreographed way at noon with a service to celebrate the Anniversary. Below is a flavour of the day from members able to attend.

“The children were well provided for with Children's World and Roly the Clown involving the youngsters in his tricks while ribbing church structures and traditions quite mercilessly to the amusement of the adults.. The food was good with a tasty hog roast and ices etc. but the cream teas and strawberries and cream were so popular that only the early birds got them!

The Pageant of Christianity through the ages in Glastonbury ended the afternoon's activities. Thank you Bath & Wells Diocese for organising such a wonderful occasion!” Mike & Christine I attended an excellent talk entitled “A Beginner‘s Guide to Doing Nothing” by the Rt. Revd Richard Cottrell, Bishop of Reading, in the Town Hall during the afternoon. The Bishop spoke of his humble beginnings and upbringing. As children, he and his siblings were “done” in the christening font at church, but otherwise he had no particular Christian input during his childhood. He was not an academic and had a poor record at his Secondary Modern School in Essex. However, he had an RE teacher who had a certain something about her which affected him. She got him thinking about spirituality for the first time and he started to ask questions. Her influence brought him into faith, with all that eventually followed. He mentioned that, following her death, he had recently had the privilege of burying his former RE teacher! For the Bishop, as a minister, he feels that the most important aspect of his ministry is to find time and space for silence - which is what he meant by learning “to do nothing”. This

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I have recently finished reading a fantastic book called THE SHACK.

I am not going to give details of this story. Instead I will print out the words written on the back cover of the book and I hope you will have chance to read it - and I am sure you will not be disappointed. Mackenzie Allen Philip’s youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years

later, in the midst of his great sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against

his better judgement, he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into the darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack’s world

forever..... ‘The Shack’ is by Wm Paul Young, published by Hodder & Stoughton: ISBN 9780 340 979495. www.hodderfaith.com. Eileen Stephenson

New Electronic Projector Equipment You will all probably have noticed by now the new floor standing screen and oak cabinet which contains a ‘short throw’ projector, laptop, amplifier and speakers. It has been possible to buy this new equipment because of a generous donation from an anonymous GMC member and a grant from the Methodist Church. The new equipment will allow us and visiting ministers and local preachers to run, remotely, slide shows , films and other visual aids with good sound quality anywhere on the ground floor of the church or the hall. As film and DVDs are more demanding from a visual view point than slides and clipart, these will be best run in a darkened environment in the hall or in the autumn/winter/spring evenings in the church. We will be giving training, to those interested, on how to use the equipment .Perhaps most of the ‘Sound’ operators would like to do this? So if you and others would like to volunteer for this new rota then let Ken & Helen know as soon as possible.

Ken Wade

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Last Somerset Mission Circuit Event Street Methodist Church - July 2009

Twenty or so people joined in a walk around Street, and me for one, living in the area for 27 years, had never explored the fields and bye-ways of the town in such a pleasant way.... Well it would have been wonderful had the rain stayed away... But as you can see below we all got a bit wet! Here we are cowering under trees on the edge of

Millfield Playing Field! However, we survived and afterwards enjoyed a tasty tea and hot drink to warm us all up! The Circuit Service was the highlight of the day and all the churches shared something of themselves, bringing either banners, pictures or artefacts which they felt represented their church..

Glastonbury’s banner is on the front cover! Thank you Street for hosting a very pleasant event.

Helen Wade

PAINTING THE CHURCH.?..... There was a Scottish painter named Smokey MacGregor who was very interested in making a penny where he could, so he often thinned down his paint to make it go a wee bit further. As it happened, he got away with this for some time, but eventually the Baptist Church decided to do a big restoration job on the outside of one of their biggest buildings. Smokey put in a bid, and, because his price was so low, he got the job. He set about erecting the scaffolding and setting up the planks, and buying the paint and, yes, I am sorry to say, thinning it down with turpentine. Well, Smokey was up on the scaffolding, painting away, the job nearly completed, when suddenly there was a horrendous clap of thunder, the sky opened, and the rain poured down washing the thinned paint from all over the church and knocking Smokey clear off the scaffold to land on the lawn among the gravestones, surrounded by tell-tale puddles of the thinned and useless paint. Smokey was no fool. He knew this was a judgment from the Almighty, so he got down on his knees and cried: "Oh, God, Oh God, forgive me; what should I do?" And from the thunder, a mighty voice spoke........... "Repaint! Repaint! And Thin No More!” Thanks Mike!

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LECTIONARY READINGS

AUGUST

2 Sam 11: 26-12:13a Psalm 51:1-12 Ephesians 4:1-16 John 6:24-35

2 Sam 18:5-9, 15,31-33 Psalm 130 Ephesians 4:25-5:2 John 6:35,41-51

1 Kings 2:10-12;3:3-14 Psalm 111 Ephesians 5:15-20 John 6:51-58

1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11) Psalm 84 Ephesians 6:10-20 John 6:56-69

22-30,41-43

Song of Solomon 2:8-13 Psalm 45:1-2,6-9 James 1:17-27 Mark 7:`1-8,14-1

5,21-23

SEPTEMBER

Proverbs 22:1-2,8-9,22-23 Psalm 125 James 2:1-10(11-13) Mark 7:24-37

14-17

Proverbs 1:20-33 Psalm 19 James 3:1-12 Mark 8:27-38

Proverbs 31:10-31 Psalm 1 James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a Mark 9:30-37

Esther 7:1-6,9-10;20-22 Psalm 124 James 5:13-20 Mark 9:38-50

OCTOBER

Job 1:1; 2:1-10 Psalm 26 Hebrews 1:1-4;2:5-12 Mark 10:2-16

Job 23:1-9, 6-17 Psalm 22:1-15 Hebrews 4: 12-16 Mark 10:17-31

Job 38: 1-7 (34-41) Ps 104:1-9, 24, 35c Hebrews 5:1-10 Mark 10:35-45

Job 42:1-6, 10-17 Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) Hebrews 7:23-28 Mark 10:46-52

NOVEMBER

Isaiah 25:6-9 Psalm 24 Revelation 21:1-6a John 11:32-44

Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 Psalm 127 Hebrews 9:24-28 Mark 12:38-44

1 Sam 1:4-20 Cant: 1Sam 2:1-10 Hebrews 10:11-14 Mark 13:1-8

(15-18),19-25

2 Sam 23:1-7 Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) Rev 1:4b-8 John 18:33-37

Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 25:1-10 1 Thess 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36

True Stories..... “I have recently been appointed electoral roll officer at our church. One of the women will insist on calling it the electrical roll. She probably imagines that you have to be a bright spark to be put on it...” “After Archdeacon George Austin had given an address at a wedding in a northern cathedral, the organist complimented him with the words, “Thank you for your sermon. We always like having visiting preachers. It helps us to appreciate our own clergy all the more”!

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NOVEMBER

1st 10.45am Holy Communion led by Rev C Anderton

6.30pm OOTB led by Rev N Lakin

8th 10.45am Service led by B Robinson

6.30pm Songs of Praise at St Benedicts Glastonbury

15th 10.45am Local Arrangement (JMA)

6.30pm Memorial Service led by Rev N Lakin

22nd 10.45am Service led by J Cobb

29th 10.45am OOTB Holy Communion led by Rev N Lakin

NOV ROTA 1st 8th 15th 22nd 29th

Steward am

pm

K Wade

D Smith

P Coleman M Telfer

P Wren

V Creed K Wade

W Leader S Thurgood V Creed C Ball J Wren M Powell

Welcome V Bowring

L Bevan

V Bowring

M Sammonds

V Bowring

P Coleman

V Bowring

B Coleman

V Bowring

K Webb

Readers am M Wood

J Taylor

C Ball

S Webb

M Powell

J Wren

M Sammonds

H Wade

J Arnott

F Smith

C Steward M Powell

Sound/Media M Webb P Bowring E Smith M Powell P Bowring

Coffee A Armitstead M Powell L Bevan C Ball P Coleman

Flowers M Powell Remembrance S Thurgood H Wade E Stephenson

“I AM” Sayings of Jesus - in the nave at Church Stretton Church

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Race for Life 2009!

I've done! I've done it! I was able to run nearly the whole distance (except through the muddy horse paddock) and finished the 5 kilometres in 24 minutes and 37 seconds. That's much faster than I normally do - less than 5 minutes to run a kilometre or about 8.5 for a mile. The atmosphere at the event was fantastic. 2000 women runners and their families and supporters. Folk whose hair loss indicated current chemotherapy, people whose signs on their back said they were proud to have survived cancer, many running in honour of others

who are fighting or have beaten the disease - and loads like me, running in memory of friends and loved ones and in hopes for a cure. We had a short talk by someone from Cancer Research, then a minute's silence - and I cried thinking of my beloved Brian and little Sarah, so young and so loved. Then we had a 15 minute warm-up by a fitness instructor (boy were we warmed up!), and we were off. At the one kilometre mark I had to slow to a walk and thought I must be nuts and I couldn't possibly finish - but I picked up again after a few yards. At 2k, I figured I might just make around the course. At 3 kilometres I thought I could run forever - and at the finish I was as high as a kite and felt like doing it all over again. Thank you all so much for your sponsorship, your encouragement and all your support. Maybe next year it will be the 10k event! With love and gratitude, Mary Powell

ADVANCE NOTICE

Friday 18th December 2009

7pm

Annual Carol Service

St John’s Church Glastonbury Everyone is invited,

especially friends and family of those with a learning disability.

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SUNDAY PATTERN OF SERVICES

AUGUST

2nd 10.45am Service led by JAFFA

9th 10.45am Service led by S Derby

16th 10.45am Service led by M Bossom

6.30pm Healing Service led by R Bryant

23rd 10.45am Holy Communion Service led by Rev N Lakin

30th 10.45am Service led by B Robinson

SEPTEMBER

6th 10.45am Service led by Rev N Lakin

6.30pm OOTB led by Ian and Colin Rogers

13th 10.45am Service led by A Schiffer

4pm Songs of Praise

20th 10.45am Holy Communion Service led by Rev C Anderson

6.30pm Healing Service led by Rev N Lakin

27th 10.45am Service led by BibleLands

AUG ROTA 2nd 9th 16th 23rd 30th

Steward am

pm

P Coleman M Telfer V Creed

D Smith

P Wren K Wade

W Leader C Ball M Powell V Creed H Wade

Welcome V

Bowring

L Bevan

V Bowring

M Sammonds

V Bowring

P Coleman

V Bowring

B Coleman

V Bowring

K Webb

Readers

am

M Ball

F Smith

J Arnott

B Lumber

M

Sammonds

M Bryant

J Taylor

M Wood

C Steward J Willis

Sound M Powell K Webb P Bowring E Smith M Powell

Coffee M Telfer P & B

Coleman

L Bevan A Armitstead M Telfer

Flowers V

Bowring

M Hole M Bryant J Selby M Wood

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OCTOBER

4th 10.45am Harvest Festival led by Rev N Lakin

6.30pm OOTB led by Rev N Lakin

11th 10.45am Service led by R Bryant

6.30pm Songs of Praise, St Benedicts Glastonbury

18th 10.45am Service led by D Hewish

6.30pm Healing Service led by Rev N Lakin

25th 10.45am Jazz Cafe led by Rev N Lakin

SEPT ROTA 6th 13th 20th 27th

Steward am

pm

P Coleman

M Telfer

D Smith P Wren

V Creed

K Wade

W Leader S Thurgood V Creed M Powell C Ball

Welcome V Bowring

M Telfer

V Bowring

D Wells

V Bowring

A Armitstead

V Bowring

M Telfer

Readers am M Powell

S Webb

R Smith

P Wren

J Wren

M Ball

M Webb

V Creed

C Steward C Ball

Sound/Media P Bowring K Webb M Webb P Bowring

Coffee J Willis V Bowring M Cobb P Coleman

Flowers M Heal A Partlow J Cobb C Ball

OCT ROTA 4th 11th 18th 25th

Steward am

pm

P Coleman

V Creed

D Smith M Telfer

P Wren

P Coleman

W Leader V Creed S Thurgood M Powell

Welcome V Bowring

H Wade

V Bowring

L Bevans

V Bowring

P Coleman

V Bowring

M Sammonds

Readers am K Wade

M Heal

F Smith

K Webb

S Thurgood

B Lumber

J Cobb

R Smith

C Steward

Sound/Media E Smith K Wade P Bowring K Webb

Coffee C Ball H Wade M Sammonds J Willis

Flowers Harvest E Lees W Fellowship L Bevan