Dear Friends
This morning Michelle and I went to our son’s first sports day! The last two were cancelled either due to the pandemic or because of last year’s heatwave, so we were all super excited this morning!
It was great to see all the kids taking part in relays, races, and the obligatory egg and spoon race. This latter event was a masterclass in cunning and strategy from many, as they worked out that often the slower you went the more successful the outcome – and if that fails you could try and get away with just holding the egg…
It was a great celebration in taking part – and the parental masses and pupils' peers were all enthusiastically cheering everyone, no matter the finishing order.
During this season of Trinity, we are following the Gospel of Matthew. Last Sunday we heard the beginning of Jesus’s teaching to his 12 chosen disciples as he sent them out to do missionary work. This Sunday we hear more of that teaching as he highlights some of the dangers ahead. But there is one command that comes up frequently; ‘do not be afraid’. Jesus tells them that they are loved. They are valued – whatever happens.
In our daily lives we are constantly lining up on the start line of a challenge before us. And your challenge may not be mine, and mine may not be yours. Just two minutes ago Michelle came out of the study from something she was doing and said ‘you would be much better at this then me’… And constantly I think the same the other way round.
Whatever you are facing; pause and hear Jesus’s words. Do not be afraid. And remember that you are equipped, loved and valued and in that there is much joy and celebration – whatever the outcome.
SUNDAY SERVICES - 25 June (3rd Sunday after Trinity):
8am - Holy Communion; St John's, Tatworth. Rev'd Michelle
10am - Holy Communion; St Mary's, Thorncombe. Rev'd Philip
6:30pm - BCP Evensong; St Michael & All Angels, Chaffcombe. Rev'd Philip
6:30pm - Service of Light; St Stephen's, Winsham
JOINT PCC MEETING - DISCUSSING FOCAL MINISTRY. Tonight at 7pm in the Church rooms at St John's.
A reminder to PCC members across the Benefice that there is a joint meeting tonight at St John's, Tatworth, at 7pm to begin the important conversation about Focal Ministry and what this might look like for our family of churches. This is the framework for future parochial ministry that the Diocese are asking all Deanery's to adopt. If you are not on a PCC you are also very welcome to attend - it will be lovely to see you.
WILD CHURCH - THIS SATURDAY (24th) - 3pm outside St John's
This Saturday it is Wild Church at St John's. ALL WELCOME!! It is a Festival themed Wild Church this month (in the echoes of Glastonbury this weekend!). Songs, activities, food and fun - and tents! Hopefully you won't need your wellies though...
MIDWEEK SERVICES
Tuesday 27th June at 4pm - Prayer time at St John's. A time of open prayer centred on the Celtic Tradition.
Wednesday 28th June at 9:30am - Holy Communion at St Stephen's, Winsham.
DEANERY GATHERING (SYNOD) - Thursday 29th June 7pm at South Petherton
Advance notice that the next Deanery Gathering is next Thursday at 7pm in South Petherton church. All Welcome. This will be Rev'd Anne Kember's last Deanery Gathering before she leaves so please do come and support her. If anyone would like a lift I have a few seats in my car.
PRAYERS
Please hold in your prayers all you know who are struggling in any way, in body, mind or spirit. We are asked to pray by name for:
Dave Boyland; Terri Boyland; Wendy Cotton; Jan Knott; Mary Marsh; Tony Taylor; Margaret Bandy; Dorothy White, Di Nicholls, Hester Down, Stella Hutchison; Oskar Lee; Margaret Shields; Andrew de Pury; Cyril Larcombe; Valerie Palmer, Lynn Ranson, Keith Legge, Margaret Golesworthy.
We remember all those whom we love but see no longer; particularly at this time: Nan Austin; Bob Stacey; Richard Thompson; Sonyia Garland; Terrance Down; Roger Hannam; Frank Long; Tom Hamblin.
A Prayer for the 3rd Sunday of Trinity
O God, whose beauty is beyond our imagining
and whose power we cannot comprehend:
show us your glory as far as we can grasp it,
and shield us from knowing more than we can bear
until we may look upon you without fear;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.
Blessings
Philip
The Reverend Philip Butcher
Rector - Two Shires Benefice (Tatworth, Thorncombe, Winsham, Chaffcombe & Cricket Malherbie)
The Vicarage
3 Home Farm
Tatworth
Chard
TA20 2SH
01460 221286
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