Services for 17th and 24th March (Palm Sunday)

Dear friends

This Sunday is St Patrick’s day!  Patron saint of Ireland, it is a very important day for the Irish people and for all those with connections to the ‘Emerald Isle’.  Patrick is also an important figure in the evangelism and establishment of the Christian faith in this part of the world generally, particularly due to his persistence in faith throughout his challenging life, and his deep understanding that all he did was only possible through the grace of God.  Here is the entry on St Patrick from ‘Exciting Holiness’ (Canterbury Press, 4th Ed. 2012, p123-4), which is a calendar of Holy Days in the Anglican church in Britain and Ireland:
St. Patrick was a Romano-Briton born in about the year 390 of Christian parents, in the latter years of the Roman Empire in Britain. The exact place of his birth – named by him in his Confession as Banaven Taberniae – has never been identified. Claims from places in West Britain as far apart as Dumbarton and Cornwall have been made; present day opinion favours the neighbourhood of Carlisle.He was captured by Irish raiders when he was sixteen years old, and taken to Ireland as a slave. After six years, he escaped and seems to have gone to continental Europe. He eventually found his way back to his own family, where his previously nominal Christian faith grew and matured. He returned to Gaul, and there trained as a priest and was greatly influenced by the form of monasticism evolving under Martin of Tours.  When he was in his early forties, he returned to Ireland as a Bishop, ministering first at Saul near Downpatrick, and later making his base at Armagh, which became the centre of his See. He evangelised the land by walking all over the island, gently bringing men and women to knowledge of Christ. Although he faced fierce opposition and possible persecution, he continued his missionary journeys.Patrick left two pieces of writing which are accepted as genuine, his Confession and a Letter to Coroticus.  These are of immense value as they reveal Patrick the man, humble and aware that all he achieved was by the grace of Christ. Irish Christians today, of all traditions, equally identify with this holy man and draw inspiration from his life and writings.Despite being unsuccessful in his attempts to establish the diocesan system he had experienced in Gaul, his monastic foundations proved to be the infrastructure required to maintain the faith after his death, which occurred on this day in the year 461.
 
On Sunday do pray in thanks for our Irish friends and neighbours, for the faith of St Patrick, and if you are so inclined – enjoy a pint of black Irish Gold! (I can recommend the very good 0%!)
SERVICES THIS WEEK & NEXT:
Sunday 17 March (5th Sunday in Lent)
10am – Family Service, Winsham
10:30am – Holy Communion with Sunday School; St John’s, Tatworth.  Sunday School meets from 10.15am in the Church Rooms.
Tuesday 19 March
9.30am – Morning Prayer, St John’s, Tatworth
Wednesday 20th March
9.30am – Holy Communion, St Mary’s Thorncombe, followed by coffee morning.
 
Sunday 24 March (Palm Sunday)
 
10am – BENEFICE SERVICE – St Mary’s, Thorncombe.  Please see the request below from Rev. Michelle.  
6:30pm – BCP Evening Prayer, St Michael & All Angels, Chaffcombe
LENT WALKS
 
The fourth Lent Walk is on 14 March at 3pm, going from and returning to St Stephen’s, Winsham, followed by tea in church from around 4pm.
The fifth, and final, Lent Walk is on 21 March at 11am, going from and returning to St Mary Magdalene, Cricket Malherbie, followed by light lunch from around 1215.  ALL WELCOME to all or any of these!
PALM SUNDAY – 24 March; St Mary’s Thorncombe – 10am – READERS WANTED!!
 
We have a special Benefice service for Palm Sunday as above at Thorncombe.  This year we will be hearing the re-telling of Palm Sunday and also the Passion itself.  Rev’d Michelle is compiling a list of people who would like to read a part in those narratives.  There are quite a lot of parts to fill, so please can you either speak to, or email, either myself or Michelle in the next few days if you would like to take a role.  It is reading from a script during the service in church.  Once we have a complete list we will work out who takes on which role!  Please don’t read too much into who we give which roles to!!
Prayers
We hold in our prayers all those we know who are ill or struggling in any way, and we are asked to pray by name for the following.  If you would like to add someone. or yourself, to this list, then please do get in touch.
Margaret Bandy, Dave Boyland, Andrew De-pury, Christopher Mitchell, Ann Jarvis, Tony Arnold’s son.
In memoriam:
We remember in our prayers all those whom we love but see no longer.  Particularly at this time we remember Barbara Tolley and hold her family and friends in our prayers at this time of mourning.
 
 
God of our wilderness and despair,
when our chaos is too loud to hear you,
lead us to the quiet place.
Open the ears of our hearts to hear you in the deepest of ways.
Amen.
Every blessing
Philip & Michelle

The Reverends Philip & Michelle Butcher
Rector – Two Shires Benefice (Tatworth, Thorncombe, Winsham, Chaffcombe & Cricket Malherbie)
The Vicarage
3 Home Farm
Tatworth
Chard
TA20 2SH
01460 221286
 
 
Rest Days – Mondays (Tuesdays where following a bank holiday)
For non-urgent enquiries please allow up to a week for responses.
Mornings are best times for phone contact!
 

Chaffcombe Calendars

2024 CHAFFCOMBE CALENDARS

Thank you to everyone who purchased a 2024 calendar.
We made a profit ol £245.00 inctuding donations, which
was shared between the Church (£106;75 + 25% gift aid =
£134.47) and Newsline Talking Newspaper (£138.25 – no
gift aid possible). Profits are slightly down on last year,
because of postage costs, people were not sending them
abroad. There are a few small ones left over, wlrich are in
the church. Please help yourselves.

We hope you liked the calendar and will continue to
support it.

Dave & Val

Church Services – 25th February and during the week

Dear Friends

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s chosen Lent Book this year is ‘Tarry Awhile’ by Selina Stone.  It is a book on the wisdom of Black Spirituality, particularly focussing on the tradition of ‘tarrying’ (waiting) as a community to draw closer to Jesus and to each other.  The Church of England has produced a Lent Booklet that people can follow through Lent, which draws on the content of the book, called Watch and Pray.  If you would like to use this really good resource in your own prayer life you can either get a copy here:
or you can get content emailed to you direct each day by subscribing here:
Here is the reflection for today:
Reading
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4.1-6)
Reflection
Ancient Greek and Roman thinking was strongly influenced by the notion that nature and life needed to be separated between the world that we can sense and the perfect world that we can only imagine: between the real world, and the ideal world.The Letter to the Ephesians rejects this kind of “dualism”, insisting on the reality of one God, one faith and one Christ. Yet dualistic thinking has caused problems for the Church from the outset. Accepting non-Jewish believers was the first hurdle of the Early Church. Later, European Christian missionaries to Africa and the Americas from the fifteenth century onwards treated indigenous cultures as idolatrous. Yet, these cultures were fertile grounds for the development of Christianity. Such “dualism” is dangerous because it creates division and conflict unnecessarily, hindering the good news of Jesus Christ.
WatchNotice any moments when you begin to see life in black-and-white terms.
 …and prayfor the humility to accept grey and multi-coloured realities in life.
SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE THIS WEEK & NEXT:
 
Sunday 25 February (Second Sunday in Lent)
8am – Holy Communion; St John’s, Tatworth
10am – Holy Communion; St Mary’s, Thorncombe
6:30pm – BCP Evening Prayer; St Michael & All Angels, Chaffcombe
6:30pm – Service of Light; St Stephen’s, Winsham
 
Tuesday 27 February
 
9:30am – Morning Prayer; St John’s, Tatworth
 
LENT WALKS 2024
 
The first Lent walk is tomorrow, Thursday 22nd February at 11am, meeting at St John’s, Tatworth, followed by a light lunch (soup) from around 1215 / 30.  All Welcome to the walk and lunch, or either part!!  The weather is not looking wonderful, so be prepared!  No stiles, but cannot rule out mud…
Slight change of timing for the walk on 29th February in Chaffcombe.  This is now at 3pm followed by 4pm tea in the hall.
Wild Church
 
Wild Church had a well attended walk at Chard Reservoir on 17 February in the drizzle!  22 of us (adults and children) explored the puddles, streams and mud, finishing with hot chocolate from the boot of the vicar’s car.  Good fun and fellowship and thanks to all who came!  The next Wild Church gathering will be for Good Friday morning at 10am on 29th March – All Welcome!
 
Prayers
We hold in our prayers all those we know who are ill or struggling in any way, and we are asked to pray by name for the following.  If you would like to add someone. or yourself, to this list, then please do get in touch.
Margaret Bandy, Dave Boyland, Andrew De-pury, Christopher Mitchell
In memoriam:
We remember in our prayers all those whom we love but see no longer.  Particularly at this time we remember Denis Hunt, Ruth Rogers, Barbara Tolley, and Anthony Johnson.
A Prayer for this week from Watch & Pray:
 
Holy and mighty Trinity, teach us of your oneness.
Give us grace to see the ways in which we reject the unity you desire
in favour of division and conflict.  Amen.
Every blessing
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
 
Rest Days – Mondays (Tuesdays where following a bank holiday)
For non-urgent enquiries please allow up to a week for responses.
Mornings are best times for phone contact!
 

Church Services etc. for 11th and 18th February

Dear all

It is often in the most unexpected moments that we discover a time of joy.  Joy is not something that you can ‘book’, or order on Amazon.  Although Joy can be that sense of excited anticipation as you open an Amazon parcel as the little kid inside you pretends it’s a present! (even though it is something you ordered!).  You can arrange to do things that you know from experience or expectation might bring happiness, but that is not the same thing as Joy.  Joy is something much deeper.  A sense of joy is not just possible when things are going well, but when things are difficult too, in fact, especially so.  It is a state of being, through which we can also bring joy to others.
One such moment that I became aware of the power of Joy was on Tuesday.  I had some time between meetings and Michelle was using the office, so I decided it was a good opportunity to sit down and either read or watch something interesting.  Scrolling through the documentaries on BBC IPlayer I landed on the documentary “Mission : Joy”, which is the film of the meeting in 2015 between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and The Dalai Lama.  It was spell binding, and the joy shared between those two great spiritual leaders, and in their answers to some huge questions, is simply infectious.  If you have time, please do watch it!  BBC iPlayer – Mission: Joy – With Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama
This Sunday our Gospel reading is the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-9).  Jesus has taken 3 of his disciples away to a mountain top and in a moment of shining glory is transformed in front of them.  They are literally awestruck and ask to remain there – but after the moment has passed Jesus leads them back down the mountain to their companions and the continuation of their work.  This is joy – the hard work continues, but it continues in a new way, transformed by the joy they experience and receive (and carry with them).
There will be moments of joy in your everyday.  They may be hard to find – but they are there.  Take note of them, let them dwell deep within you, and let them be transformative for you, and those around you.  As Mother Teresa said, “Joy is prayer; joy is strength: joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls”.
SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE FOR THE COMING FORTNIGHT:
Sunday 11th February:
8am – BCP Holy Communion; St Stephen’s, Winsham
10am – Morning Worship; St Mary’s, Thorncombe
10.30am – Holy Communion; St Michael & All Angels, Chaffcombe
 
Tuesday 13th February:
 
9:30am – Morning Prayer; St John’s, Tatworth
 
ASH WEDNESDAY – 14th February:
 
Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes is being held through the following two services on Ash Wednesday.  Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent.
11am – Said service of Holy Communion for Ash Wednesday; St John’s, Tatworth
7pm – Sung service of Holy Communion for Ash Wednesday; St Stephen’s, Winsham
Sunday 18th February:
10am – Morning Worship; St Stephen’s, Winsham
10.30am – Holy Communion; St John’s, Tatworth.  There is a Sunday School running at this service, which meets from 10.15 in the Church room at St John’s.  It is a Pancake special this month!
Tuesday 20th February:
9:30am – Morning Prayer, St John’s, Tatworth
 
LENT WALKS 2024
 
The Lent Walks in 2023 were a huge success and we are looking forward to them again this year.  The first one is on Thursday 22nd February at 11am, meeting at St John’s, Tatworth, followed by a light lunch (soup) from around 1215.  All Welcome to the walk and lunch, or either part!!  Like last year, I will host a Bible study series after Easter, between Easter and Pentecost / Ascension.
Wild Church
 
Wild Church 2024 starts on 17 February!  The first gathering is for a walk and explore at Chard Reservoir, meeting in the main car park (Chard end) to start at 3pm.  This is obviously slightly weather permitting, so please do check for updates if you think it’s looking doubtful!
 
Prayers
We hold in our prayers all those we know who are ill or struggling in any way, and we are asked to pray by name for the following.  If you would like to add someone. or yourself, to this list, then please do get in touch.
Margaret Bandy, Dave Boyland, Andrew De-pury, Christopher Mitchell
In memoriam:
We remember in our prayers all those whom we love but see no longer.  Particularly at this time we remember Denis Hunt, and Mona Harding.
The collect for this Sunday:
 
Almighty Father,whose Son was revealed in majestybefore he suffered death upon the cross:give us grace to perceive his glory,that we may be strengthened to suffer with himand be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;who is alive and reigns with you,in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
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
Rest Days – Mondays (Tuesdays where following a bank holiday)
For non-urgent enquiries please allow up to a week for responses.
Mornings are best times for phone contact!
 

Proceeds of Coffee Morning held on Weds 7th February

COFFEE MORNING – WEDS 7TH FEBRUARY

Our Coffee Morning held on Weds 7th February made a profit of £197.70 which has been donated to our

St  Michael & All Angels Church.   

Thank you to everyone who provided cakes, raffle prizes and bric-a-brac items which all helped in the above total.

Our next Coffee Morning is on Weds 6th March from 10.30 a.m. – 12 noon and this one will be in aid of Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve.   Please feel free to come along and enjoy a cuppa and a cake and enjoy meeting all your friends and make new friends.   Children are welcome.   Any queries please contact Mary on 01460 64592.

Thanks again for all of your help and generosity.

Church Services – 28th Jan and 4th Feb

Dear friends

This Sunday we celebrate Candlemas, or as otherwise known, The Presentation of Christ in the Temple.  Jesus is 40 days old and, as per the Jewish tradition of the day, Mary and Joseph take him to the Temple to thank God.  At the Temple the Holy Family meet the priest Simeon and the prophetess Anna.  Simeon recognises the baby as the Messiah and proclaims that Jesus is “a light for revelation to the Gentiles”.  As such, for hundreds of years, it has also been the tradition to bless candles during the service to celebrate the Presentation, and for this reason it is also called Candle-Mass, or Candlemas!
We will be celebrating Candlemas at St Mary’s Thorncombe this year, with a special service of Holy Communion at the end of which we carry the light into the world.  All are very welcome – the service is at 10am on 28 January and there will be children’s activities at the back for church for younger ones and the young at heart!
SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE FOR THE COMING FORTNIGHT:
Sunday 28th January
8am – Holy Communion; St John’s, Tatworth
10am – Holy Communion for Candlemas; St Mary’s, Thorncombe
6:30pm – BCP Evensong; St Michael & All Angels, Chaffcombe
6:30pm – Service of Light; St Stephen’s, Winsham
Sunday 4th February
 
8am – BCP Holy Communion; Forde Abbey
10am – Holy Communion; St Stephen’s, Winsham
10:30am – Emmaus Service; St John’s, Tatworth (Refreshments from 10:30, service starts at 11am)
Winsham School Pupil Chaplains & Faithful Friends!
Today it was wonderful to celebrate the commissioning of 5 pupil chaplains in Winsham Primary School.  5 children have volunteered to be pupil chaplains within the school, helping to look out for their peers and each other and be at the forefront of our strong relationship with the school.  Helping them on that journey are three ‘faithful friends’ from within the St Stephen’s church family.  Thank you to all of them for embarking on this new wonderful journey!  Also, thank you to Rev’d Michelle and the head of Winsham School, Emma Johns, for spearheading the work to get the scheme going – and for the excellent support of the Diocese through Rev’d Mike Haslam.
RSPB Birdwatch 2024
 
This weekend is the annual RSPB Birdwatch survey where we are all invited to spend an hour outside and count birds that land in our area!  It’s a really important bit of work to help get an understanding of bird populations and therefore inform how we can respond positively ecologically.  It is actually one of the 5 Marks of Mission (key focusses) of the Church of England – the 5th of which is “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth”.  It is also a lot of fun – so do please have a go!  Here is a link with the information you need…
Prayers
We hold in our prayers all those we know who are ill or struggling in any way, and we are asked to pray by name for the following.  If you would like to add someone. or yourself, to this list, then please do get in touch.
Margaret Bandy, Dave Boyland, Andrew De-pury.
In memoriam:
We remember in our prayers all those whom we love but see no longer.  Particularly at this time we remember Sylvia Massey, Denis Hunt, and Mona Harding.
The collect for Candlemas
 
Lord Jesus Christ,light of the nations and glory of Israel:make your home among us,and present us pure and holyto your heavenly Father,your God, and our God.
Amen.
Blessings
Philip & Michelle
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
 
Rest Days – Mondays (Tuesdays where following a bank holiday)
For non-urgent enquiries please allow up to a week for responses.
Mornings are best times for phone contact!
 

Epiphany Cake and Cuppa

Dear all

Just a reminder that there is an open invite to all to pop along to the vicarage on Saturday morning for a slice of Epiphany cake and a cuppa!  Those who were at Thorncombe on ‘Stir up Sunday’ at the end of the year will have seen it mixed in the service, and even possibly lent a hand!
All welcome! 10am to 12pm at the Vicarage, address below.  If you haven’t been before, Home Farm is a gravel drive found after about 50yds along School Lane opposite St John’s Church, Tatworth.
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
 
PASTORAL EMAILS – please to: twoshiresrector@gmail.com
 
HOME PRAYER & WORSHIP:  https://twoshires.wordpress.com
 
Rest Days – Mondays (Tuesdays where following a bank holiday)
For non-urgent enquiries please allow up to a week for responses.
Mornings are best times for phone contact!

Proceeds from Taffy Thomas’ Concert

PROCEEDS OF TAFFY THOMAS’ CONCERT

I have only just received an invoice from Take Art for this concert which I have paid. I have forwarded by BACS to the Village Hall Account the sum of £348.80 being the profit made from this concert. Thank you all of you who came. It was a great success.

If you would like tickets for our next concert, Blair Dunlop is performing, on Friday 23rd February please contact either myself on 01460 64592, or marybutler10@outlook.com or Stan on 01460 239121. Tickets are £10 to include light refreshments and a complimentary glass of wine on entry.

See you there. Best wishes Mary Butler

Services for our churches

Dear Friends

Happy New Year!
Last Sunday we celebrated Epiphany; the journey and arrival of the wise men / 3 kings at the scene of the nativity.  I think it is probably my favourite part of the Christmas story.  It brings into the narrative a new dimension which serves to add an even deeper sense of wonder and mystery, and joy, to what is already a deeply awesome story.  And it all happens after the traditional celebrations are over…
As if it wasn’t enough to have God born to us on earth, as a newborn vulnerable baby, to parents in very temporary accommodation (if an outhouse is accommodation at all), with the local shepherds summoned by the heavenly host to be the witnesses; now it changes volume.  3 unknown travellers arrive from an unknown land, into what is to them an unknown place, in search of something… unknown.  They seek a child born as king of the Jews and, understandably, turn up first at King Herod’s palace, presumably surprised to see the old king alive and well.  No new king here!  Herod gets frightened and, as it is discerned that the Messiah might be in Bethlehem, sends the men off to find the child and then report back to let him know.  And so they do, and they find Jesus in Bethlehem and give him those familiar gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.
All this is set out in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 2.  Matthew ends his telling of the story with this verse at 2:12, “And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road”.
For me, this is the crucial bit.  They are transformed by what they discover in Bethlehem.  In the midst of their vulnerability, and God’s, they literally find God has given himself to humanity.  What a gift!  Given how incompetent humanity has proven itself to be over millennia after millennia, why, if you are the all-powerful creator God, would you incarnate yourself as a baby utterly reliant on humanity’s goodness?  There is no logical answer, only the most illogical one – love.  It only makes sense if it is an act of self-giving that risks all for no required return that comes from nowhere else but love.  And in recognising that, there is only one response that even comes close to adequate.  Giving our all for God.  Those three strangers are transformed, and it seems given the wisdom to understand that the way home was not by retracing their steps – but by finding a new way.
As we pack up our decorations, re-populate our lofts and stores with the baubles, tinsel and lights of Christmas past, how will we let the presence of God speak to us to show us a different way to go home?  How will you embark on the journey of 2024 having been transformed by the love of God?  Because you have!
SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE FOR THE COMING FORTNIGHT:
Sunday 14th January
8am – BCP Holy Communion; St Stephen’s, Winsham
10am – Morning Worship; St Mary’s, Thorncombe
1030am – Holy Communion; St Michael & All Angels, Chaffcombe
Sunday 21 January
1030am – Holy Communion with Sunday School; St John’s, Tatworth
1030am – Joint service with Winsham URC; St Stephen’s, Winsham
Midweek Services
Tuesday 16th January – 9:30am Morning Prayer, St John’s, Tatworth
Wednesday 17th January – 9:30am Holy Communion, St Mary’s, Thorncombe
Welcome!
I am delighted to announce that we have appointed Claire Brown as our new, and first, Benefice Administrator!  Claire has started with us this week and will be working 8 hours / week supporting the administrative tasks for the Benefice.  In particular she will play an important role in collating and communicating what is happening across the Benefice and keeping our online presence up to date.  The Benefice Administration email is adtwoshires@gmail.com
Epiphany Open House – Saturday 20 January; 10am – 12pm
Michelle and I would like to extend an invitation to all to pop into the vicarage on the morning of Saturday 20 January (10-12) for coffee and cake.  It is an opportunity for us to say thank you to you all for your support of our churches.  ALL WELCOME!
Prayers
I am recommencing our public prayer list for those who are ill, and therefore would be grateful if you could let me know of anyone who would like to be included.  It is very important that if you are nominating someone other than yourself that they are aware and have given consent.
In memoriam:
We remember in our prayers all those whom we love but see no longer.  Particularly at this time we remember Sylvia Massey, who passed away on 6th January and whose funeral is in St Mary’s Thorncombe on Friday 19th January at 1230pm.
The collect for Epiphany:
 
O God,who by the leading of a starmanifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth:mercifully grant that we,who know you now by faith,may at last behold your glory face to face;through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,who is alive and reigns with you,in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Blessings
Philip & Michelle
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
 
PASTORAL EMAILS – please to: twoshiresrector@gmail.com
 
HOME PRAYER & WORSHIP:  https://twoshires.wordpress.com
 
Rest Days – Mondays (Tuesdays where following a bank holiday)
For non-urgent enquiries please allow up to a week for responses.
Mornings are best times for phone contact!
 

CHRISTMAS SERVICES – DEC 2023

Dear friends

As I write this I am sat at the back of St John’s while 116 children from Key Stage 2 at Tatworth Primary School rehearse for their Christmas services on Friday.  It is a wonderful vibrant organized chaos as the kids familiarize themselves with the space; we work out where parents are going to sit; how to use the mics effectively for different voice levels etc etc.  It is also not discreet!  The church is alive with life, light and laughter – and this is just the practice!
So many of us are preparing for Christmas in our own way – be it rehearsals like the children; Christmas lights going up on houses and in gardens; cooking; cards; the list goes on.  It is easy to think it is all about Christmas Day, and of course that it is the focal point.  But it is also about the preparing – not half heartedly but enthusiastically!  Whatever we are doing to ready ourselves for Christmas, it is about actively waiting, embracing the present to be ready for the future.
On Monday we were very proud parents when we went to watch Andrew in his school nativity.  It had been postponed from the week before when the school had to close due to the floods.  Monday being my day off I had spent the afternoon putting up our Christmas lights on the trees in the garden.  Andrew did not know I was doing this as I wanted it to be a surprise.
As we came out of school and started the walk home in the pitch dark, Andrew was chatting away about all the lights on houses and in gardens and asked when ours would go up.  As we neared home he suddenly stopped and shouted ‘Wow! – whose house is that!  Is that the church?’  Michelle and I smiled and asked him to look again.  ‘Wait!  Is that our house!?’  Cue much joy!  It was the best reaction we could ever have hoped for.  It was a total joyous surprise of someone noticing something for the first time not somewhere new…  but right in their own place.
That is what is happening right now in church – it is a place of light, laughter and joy as those children prepare.  And it is what happened in the Christmas lights.  The lights are symbolic of the journey to, and through, Christmas.  But the joy is right now.  As you wait, as you prepare, take note of those moments of joy in the present and be reminded of what it is we wait for – Jesus born to us not in a distant land, but right here in our homes.
Please find below details of various services and events in the Benefice this Advent and Christmas – everyone is most welcome to everything!
SERVICES & EVENTS COMING UP:
 
Sunday Worship:
17th December @ 10:30am:  Holy Communion in St John’s, Tatworth
 
24th December – see services below.  There are no morning services on Christmas Eve.
 
Carol Services in church:
17th December @ 6:30pm: St Stephen’s, Winsham19th December @ 6:30pm: St Michael & All Angels, Chaffcombe24th December @ 6pm: Forde Abbey Chapel
Christingle & Nativity Services:
17th December @ 11:30am: St Mary’s, Thorncombe24th December @ 4pm: St John’s, Tatworth
Christmas Eve Communion Services:
7pm: Holy Communion & Carols – St Mary Magdalene, Cricket Malherbie11:30pm: Midnight Mass – St Stephen’s, Winsham11:30pm: Midnight Mass – St Michael & All Angels, Chaffcombe
CHRISTMAS DAY
8am: Christmas Day Holy Communion (BCP) – Forde Abbey10am: Christmas Day All Age Worship – St Mary’s, Thorncombe10:30am: Christmas Day Family Communion – St John’s, Tatworth
 
ADVENT COURSE – 2pm on 14th and 21st of December.
I am running a short Advent Course here in the vicarage on Thursdays in Advent at 2pm.  The theme is ‘The meaning is in the waiting’.  Each session is bible focused and will last about an hour.  All Welcome!  Hopeful that we will not have to postpone this one like last week!
 
PRAYERS
 
Pastoral:
 
We pray for all those who have been affected by the floods last week and having to cope with damaged property and belongings.
We pray in thanksgiving for all the school children across the Benefice who have worked so hard on Nativity plays and Christmas performances, retelling the Nativity story in so many different and creative ways and bringing it alive for all who have taken part and enjoyed watching.
Please also 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; Mary Marsh; Tony Taylor; Margaret Bandy; Di Nicholls; Hester Down; Stella Hutchison; Andrew de Pury; Cyril Larcombe; Lynn Ranson; Keith Legge; Ron Bone
We remember all those who love but see no longer.  Particularly we remember David Rodford, whose funeral is in St John’s at 1130am tomorrow (Thursday 14th).
A Collect for Advent:
O Lord our God,make us watchful and keep us faithfulas we await the coming of your Son our Lord;that, when he shall appear,he may not find us sleeping in sinbut active in his serviceand joyful in his praise;through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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
 
PASTORAL EMAILS – please to: twoshiresrector@gmail.com
 
HOME PRAYER & WORSHIP:  https://twoshires.wordpress.com
 
Rest Days – Mondays (Tuesdays where following a bank holiday)
For non-urgent enquiries please allow up to a week for responses.
Mornings are best times for phone contact!
 

Church Services – 3rd and 10th December

Dear all
If it wasn’t for the cold air and the shop displays, it seems scarcely believable that Christmas is just around the corner again.  And as much as the die hard traditionalists amongst us might want to delay the inevitable, it is coming to you too now!  We had Stir-up Sunday last weekend, and those of you with us at Thorncombe may have had a go at stirring our Christmas cake mixture!  It is now cooked and in storage and we will share it with you all at Epiphany!  As I type another cake is cooling (our personal one), and the house smells wonderfully of fruit, spice and brandy…
This Sunday is Advent Sunday, and the start of the official ‘count down’ to Christmas.  And so also starts what I sometimes refer to as the freight train of services and events shoehorned into December.  We can feel overwhelmed by it all or simply under pressure to meet self-imposed expectations of the festive season; thinking about presents, decorations, food; a seemingly endless to do list which can make Advent feel like a month of practical preparation to arrive at a day of our own imagination and invention.
We need to be careful that in the midst of it all we don’t lose sight of the real present – not a re-visited past but a re-discovered presence leading to a newly understood future.
Advent is about preparation, yes.  But it is also about waiting.  It is about the discipline of waiting patiently and spiritually for something both expected and unexpected.  It is paradoxically about waiting for something that has already happened – and therefore about receiving that joy in a renewed way.  Above all it is about creating the space for that new presence to take root.  Ironically the very space that we can so hurriedly fill in with our panicked preparations.  It is not about us – it is about God.
A came across this poem in the introduction to an Advent theology book recently which beautifully illustrates the wonder of the waiting.  During Advent this year, when it all feels a bit much, take a ‘time out’ breathing the air as a ‘staircase for silence’:

Kneeling

Moments of great calm,Kneeling before an altarOf wood in a stone churchIn summer, waiting for the God  To speak; the air a staircase  For silence; the sun’s light  Ringing me, as though I acted  A great rôle. And the audiences  Still; all that close throngOf spirits waiting, as I,For the message.                         Prompt me, God;But not yet. When I speak,  Though it be you who speak  Through me, something is lost.  The meaning is in the waiting.  R S Thomas (from The Meaning is in the Waiting; Paula Gooder)
 
Services and Events for Advent & Christmas 2023
Please see the information on this link for all the Advent and Christmas services and events happening across the Benefice this year.
Our regular parish worship also continues as usual, and is as set out below for the next two weeks
SERVICES COMING UP this week and next
Advent Sunday – 3rd December
8am – Holy Communion (BCP); Forde Abbey
10am – Holy Communion; St Stephen’s, Winsham
10:30am – Emmaus; St John’s, Tatworth.  Cafe gathering from 1030, worship from 11am.
4:30pm – Outdoor Carols and Christmas Lights switch-on; St John’s, Tatworth
Sunday 10th December (Advent 2)
8am – Holy Communion (BCP); St Stephen’s, Winsham
10am – Morning Worship; St Mary’s, Thorncombe
10.30am – Holy Communion; St Michael & All Angels, Chaffcombe
Tuesday 12th December
6.30pm – Carol Service; St Mary’s, Thorncombe
Wednesday 13th December
11am – Holy Communion; St John’s, Tatworth
CHOIRS OF ANGELS!
4pm on 3rd December – St Stephen’s, Winsham.  September Singers are presenting an Advent Concert in the church.  This is a local choir led by our very own Pamela Everitt (Chaffcombe).  All Welcome!
1:45pm (or thereabouts) on Monday 4th December – St John’s, Tatworth.  Alison Hawes (Chaffcombe) is leading her choir in St John’s Church for those who are attending the Parish Council Christmas lunch earlier.  All welcome to the church to hear the choir sing, which should be starting at about 1:45pm.
CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING
There is a Christmas Coffee Morning in St John’s on Saturday 9th December – 10am to 12pm; all welcome.
WILD CHURCH
Wild Church meets at St John’s on Saturday 2nd December at 3pm.  This is our Christmas special and we will be decorating the Wild Church Christmas Tree!  We will be inside for this session – so we will be nice and warm and dry!
ADVENT COURSE – 2pm on 7th, 14th and 21st of December.
I am running a short Advent Course here in the vicarage on Thursdays in Advent at 2pm.  The theme is ‘The meaning is in the waiting’.  Each session is bible focused and will last about an hour.
PRAYERS
 
Pastoral:
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; Mary Marsh; Tony Taylor; Margaret Bandy; Di Nicholls; Hester Down; Stella Hutchison; Andrew de Pury; Cyril Larcombe; Lynn Ranson; Keith Legge; Ron Bone
A Collect for Advent Sunday:
O Lord our God,make us watchful and keep us faithfulas we await the coming of your Son our Lord;that, when he shall appear,he may not find us sleeping in sinbut active in his serviceand joyful in his praise;through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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
 
PASTORAL EMAILS – please to: twoshiresrector@gmail.com
 
HOME PRAYER & WORSHIP:  https://twoshires.wordpress.com
 
Rest Days – Mondays (Tuesdays where following a bank holiday)
For non-urgent enquiries please allow up to a week for responses.
Mornings are best times for phone contact!
 

Coffee Morning – Wed 6th December 10.30 – 12.00

CHAFFCOMBE COFFEE MORNING
WED 6TH DECEMBER10.30 – 12.00
THIS TIME TO RAISE MONIES FORMay be an image of text that says 'NEWSLINE Chard & IIminster Talking Newspaper'
Where: Chaffcombe Village Hall
Times: 10.30 – 12.00
Who: All are welcome. Young and old, parishioners and visitors.
Homemade cakes, tea/coffee available for a generous donation.
For information: The Link or www.chaffcombe.com(Chat Page – Facebook)
or Mary on 01460 64592
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PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY
Where: Chaffcombe Village Hall
Times: 10.30 – 12.00
Who: All are welcome. Young and old, parishioners and visitors.
Homemade cakes, tea/coffee available for a generous donation.
For information: The Link or www.chaffcombe.com(Chat Page – Facebook)
or Mary on 01460 64592
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Church Services – 19th and 26th November

Dear all

The Gospel reading for today is Luke 17:20-25; which includes this verse from Jesus:
“The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
When we think of the Kingdom of God, or heaven, we are often drawn to think of it in environmental terms.  A realm perhaps in the sky, full of clouds and angels and sunshine.  That is not childish thought as we may also assume – it is the product actually of what many of our oft used Bible passages and hymns tell us!  We can look to the hymn;  ‘Lo, he comes with clouds descending’, or passages such as Jesus’ ascension to heaven, his baptism, the various occasions where angels speak in heralding the incarnation.  We can also look to the creation accounts themselves.  And much of that is to do with how humans, us, interpret what is unknown.  How do we make sense of something that is clearly evident – and yet impossible to understand?  The answer is that we subconsciously detach ourselves from it.  In other words – yes it exists, but it must be in a different place.  Before the advent of flight that invariably meant placing it in the sky – or the heavens…
Jesus challenges us to break down that detachment and instead understand that the Kingdom of Heaven is not ‘over there’, but in fact it is all around us.  ‘The Kingdom of God is in your midst’.
Something that makes most people pause and take note of is the appearance of rainbows in the sky.  Children in particular are fascinated by them.  There is something otherworldly about them – the shape, the colours, the fact that it has to be both raining and sunny for them to be there at all.
And be there they most certainly are!  You can photograph them, watch them, but what you can’t do is place them.  They appear over a certain place – but if you move, they do too – because in reality it is an optical illusion of sunlight shining through the rain and reaching your eyes.  They are there, but not there; here but not here.  They are only visible because you are standing in the right place where those conditions ARE.
Attached here is a link to a little newsletter I wrote this week about some of the Good News we have in the Benefice at the moment.  The rainbows if you like that appear amongst us.  It is a snapshot, and I wrote it on impulse as I was suddenly aware that in the midst of what has been a challenging time we do have much to be thankful, and even joyous, about.  I know that there are many rainbows that I have missed, and you will probably read it and have an entirely different list in your head.  And that is great!!  I hope that is true!!  Because if that is the case then you too are seeing the kingdom of God in our midst and I ask that you also shout that from the rooftops!
SERVICES COMING UP
Saturday 18th November – WILD CHURCH
 
Wild Church meets outside St John’s this Saturday at 3pm.  This month we are going on a gentle, short, autumn walk followed by warming refreshments in the church rooms.  All Welcome!
 
Sunday 19th November
10am – Family Service; St Stephen’s, Winsham
1030am – Holy Communion & Sunday School; St John the Evangelist, Tatworth
Tuesday 21st November – 9:30am Morning Celtic Prayer; St John’s Tatworth
Sunday 26th November – Christ the King
 
8am – Holy Communion; St John’s Tatworth
10am – Holy Communion; St Mary’s, Thorncombe
6:30pm – BCP Evening Prayer; St Michael & All Angels, Chaffcombe
6:30pm – Service of Light; St Stephen’s, Winsham
Tuesday 28th November – 9:30am Morning Celtic Prayer; St John’s Tatworth
PRAYERS
 
In Celebration:
 
We celebrate with baby Ernest as he is baptised this Sunday in St John’s!  Congratulations Ernest, parents Hannah and Dean, and all his family!
Pastoral:
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; Mary Marsh; Tony Taylor; Margaret Bandy; Di Nicholls; Hester Down; Stella Hutchison; Andrew de Pury; Cyril Larcombe; Lynn Ranson; Keith Legge; Ron Bone                   We remember all those who we love but see no longer, and particularly at this time Peter Harper (funeral is St Stephen’s, Winsham on Monday 27th at 12pm) , and hold all those in mourning in our prayers.
A Collect for Christ the King (26th November):
God the Father,help us to hear the call of Christ the Kingand to follow in his service,whose kingdom has no end;for he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, one glory.
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
 
PASTORAL EMAILS – please to: twoshiresrector@gmail.com
 
HOME PRAYER & WORSHIP:  https://twoshires.wordpress.com
 
Rest Days – Mondays (Tuesdays where following a bank holiday)
For non-urgent enquiries please allow up to a week for responses.
Mornings are best times for phone contact!
 

Next Village Walk to clear footpaths – Tuesday 31st October

Dear all
I had hoped that 2 stiles on the footpaths between the A30 and Fosse Way would have been repaired/replaced by now but they remain unsafe to use so we will not venture in this direction. However the diverted footpath over the Avishays Estate past the clock-tower is now officially signposted and open for us the enjoy.
So this is what is planned instead:-
Chaffcombe Parish Footpath Walk Tuesday 31st October at 10.00am
 
Village Hall – Summer Lane – West Lodge – Avishayes Road (west) – The Drift (south) – A30 (east) – Mals Mead Lane (north)  – across field to track north – diverted footpath past clock-tower – Whitemore Hill (north) –  Summer Lane – Village Hall

Due to recent heavy rains it will be wet underfoot and muddy in parts so please come prepared. There may be some light trimming to be done en route.

Hope that this appeals and look forward to seeing you then

Best wishes

Anthonty Gray Chaffcombe Parish PPLO

Anthony Gray

18 Barberry Drive

Chard

Somerset TA20 1HR

tele 0146065392

e-mail anthony.gray37@outlook.c

Proceeds from Jazz Evening

Thank you to you all who kindly came to our Jazz Band evening last week.   It was a great night and thank you for all of your positive comments.

We made an astonishing profit of £459, after paying for the Band, and this will go towards the purchase of new cookers for the Hall.

Thank you to everyone and hope to see you all at our next evening on December, Taffy Thomas, Midwinter  Folk Tales.  Taffy is one of the country’s most celebrated storytellers.  He is England’s first storyteller laureate.

 

Tickets are on sale now at £10 which includes refreshments and a complimentary glass of wine.   Bookings can be made with Mary Butler  01460 64592 and Stan Robinson  01460 239121 or email:  marybutler10@outlook.com

All the best

Mary and Stan

 

 

 

Next Monthly Walk to cut back foliage on our footpaths

Tuesday 5th September at 10.0 0 a.m. Weather permitting of course!

I am planning a walk (not too foolishly I hope) in the hope that what is currently forecast as showery weather will turn out better on the day.

This is what could be in prospect:-

Parish Footpath Walk Tuesday 5th September 2023 at 10.00am

Village Hall – Summer Lane – Whitemore Hill (taken gently) – Lydmarsh Farm – -Youngs Copse – Golf Course – Cricket Cross – Cricket Lane – Sprays Hill – Knapps Lane (west) – Village Hall

It is likely to be muddy in parts and there may be some cutting back to be done so be prepared.

Hope that this appeals but bring your waterproofs and boots as there may be some pesky brambles to cut back

Please wear suitable footwear as it may be very slippery and muddy!!!!     All of our walks are voluntary and walkers walk with us at their own risk.   No liability is accepted.   We try to arrange these monthly walks along our footpaths to clear the overgrowth on the footpaths and enjoy the scenery and each others’ company.   More volunteers are needed if we are to continue to keep our footpaths walkable.  If you have any secateurs etc.  Please feel free to bring them along – suitable gloves are advised if you are helping in this way. Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead.

Hope you can join me for a bit of gentle walking and talking

Best wishes

Anthony Gray, Chaffcombe Parish PPLO 01460 65392

Sunset Cafe Stompers (Jazz) at Chaffcombe

SUNSET CAFE STOMPERS (JAZZ BAND) will be playing at Chaffcombe Village Hall on Friday 15th September 2023 at 7.30 p.m.

Tickets are £10 (including light refreshments and a glass of wine).

The Jazz Band plays great tunes, e.g. from Scott Joplin, Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington and Fats Waller.

Tickets are available from:    Mary Butler on 01460 64592 or marybutler10@outlook.com

Stan Robinson on 01460 239121 or janet.m.robinson@sky.com

 

We await to hear from you.     Best wishes       Mary

 

Next monthly walk to clear footpaths – Tues 8th August

Dear all
I have been waiting in vain for a break in the weather but all we can hope for at the moment is lighter rain so I thought it may be safe to venture forth. Footpaths in the parish south of the A30 are not useable at present due to unsafe stiles so this is what is planned:-
Chaffcombe Parish Footpath Walk Tuesday 8th August 2023 at 10.00am
 
Village Hall – Knapps Lane (east) – Sprays Hill – Cricket Lane (west) – Ashtons – Knowle Green – Woodhouse Farm – Chaffcombe Lane – Village Hall
 
Hope that this appeals but bring your waterproofs and boots as there may be some pesky brambles to cut back
Best wishes
Anthony Gray Chaffcombe Parish PPLO

Anthony Gray

18 Barberry Drive

Chard

Somerset TA20 1HR

tele 0146065392

e-mail anthony.gray37@outlook.com

Chaffcombe Flower Festival

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ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS FLOWER FESTIVAL

CHAFFCOMBE

Not only were we blessed with a gloriously sunny weekend for our Flower Festival but without the generous time and efforts of so many people none of it would have been possible.

From the initial planning of programmes and posters (which were beautifully thought out) , the ideas flowed.

The church came alive with memories of wedding anniversaries past and present and the village filled with visitors enjoying the flower arrangements and the many entertainments that were offered.

There was comfort with endless cake and cream teas; retail, therapy including the table top sale and tombola – not forgetting the plant stall – also supplied by volunteers.

The dog show, as always, was great fun, as were the water wheel visits and the climbing of the church tower – many steps!

Then , of course, calm was provided with the portrait painting, a photographic display and a guided village walk.

On the Sunday evening, we shared our favourite hymns with readings in a service of Hymns and Pimms and finally, on Monday, to end the festivities, we were treated to a celebration of  music with a wedding theme for organ and voice – with Cava to follow, of course!

 At the moment, we have raised a provisional sum of £2010.36p.  All in all, a successful, if not tiring weekend for all involved! 

Thank you everyone for your kind and generous help.

Pamela and Mary

Chaffcombe Parish Walks for next week

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Dear all
I am planning 2 walks next week, one of Tuesday for those who may be helping at the Flower Festival and one as part of the festival, as follows:-
Tuesday 23rd May 2023 at 10.00am
 
Village Hall – Summer Lane – Whitemore Hill (walked leisurely) – Lydmarsh Farm – Youngs Copse – Golf Course – Knapps Lane – Village Hall
 
We may see the remains of bluebells in the woods!
There may be some clearance work to do as we walk but hopefully nothing too heavy.
Saturday 27th May Flower Festival Walk at 2.00pm
 
Village Hall – Knapps Lane to see water wheel working – Footpath to Court Farm partly alongside stream – across field to Gaylards Lane – across fields to Paintmoor Lane – along Paintmoor Lane to Chaffcombe Lane – Gaylards Lane – across field back to Chaffcombe Lane – Village Hall
Hope that one or both appeal to you, could be that there will be sun!
Best wishes
Anthony Gray Chaffcombe parish PPLO

Anthony Gray

18 Barberry Drive

Chard

Somerset TA20 1HR

tele 0146065392

e-mail anthony.gray37@outlook.com