Thank you!

Dear friends, this last week and today I have been/am leading worship in some of the benefice churches for the last time, which has been a joy and a privilege.  Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity to me on these occasions. It means a huge amount and my heart is full. Thank you too for those who joined me on my last pilgrimage walk about the benefice, as well as those who offered me welcome refreshments at various points. This time I was blessed with good weather!

I hope as many as possible will be able to be present at my final service here on 2nd July at 10.30am at North Petherton when I can thank you all personally and we can pray for each other as our respective futures unfold. Please do continue to pray for each other and especially the churchwardens and PCC members with the responsibilities they bear during the vacancy and the work ahead of them in working towards the appointment of a new Rector too.

It has been a joy to travel with you all in these last 13 years.

Revd Jane

Thurloxton Monthly Coffee Morning – 10.30-12.00 at the Village Hall

Come along for Coffee, Tea and Cake! This month they are supporting The Heather Club

(Bridgwater Stroke Club)

Thurloxton Summer Show – Sunday 6th August

Flowers and Produce, Photos and Flower Arrangements. This is put on by Thurloxton Gardening Club. More details to follow.

Vacancy

During the vacancy please contact the relevant churchwardens for anything concerning the local church at North Petherton, North Newton, Thurloxton and Moorland.  For Durston please contact Revd Steve. Contact information will be on the website www.alfredjewelbenefice.co.uk or on posters on the church noticeboards.

House Group – Thursdays, 7-8.30pm at the New Rectory

In July we are continuing our walk through the Gospel of Mark ‘News of the Hour’.  We are a small friendly group who like to get together and see what we learn from the Scriptures, what we struggle with and how we find this helps us in our walk through this life. If you would like to know more please contact David Woolcomb.

North Newton Produce and Flower Show – Saturday 29th July 2pm

Fun for all the family at St Peter’s Church – cream teas, ice cream, stalls, games and competitions.  And, new for 2023 – hotly anticipated Welly Wanging competition.  Also returning by popular demand – children’s triathlon, laser shoot out, vintage cars and dog show. In aid of St Peter and St Michaelchurch. £1 entry (children free)

Café Connect – July 11th  10am-2pm at North  Petherton Community Centre

10am for coffee, tea, cake and chat. 12pm for a reasonably priced

1/2/3 course meal. No need to book. Bring a friend, meet a friend, make new friends.

Foodbank

There are boxes at North Newton, Thurloxton, North Petherton and now Moorland  where items for the Foodbank can be left.  Items particularly requested are fruit juice cartons, tinned sponge pudding, biscuits/snack bars, tinned meat/fish/fruit, toiletries.

Hoedown Throwdown – Charity event in aid of Mind – Saturday 22nd July, 7pm-late

Live entertainment, bar and raffle, hog roast. Tickets £20 per person from Stuart and Pauline 07883294679.  In loving memory of Steve Clatworthy.

Story time at the Library for pre-school children – every Tuesday, 2.15-2.45pm

All welcome, free of charge.

Residents at the Holiday Inn

If you would like to donate anything to the residents the following are particular requested: new underwear for all ages, pyjamas, gloves, shoes and basic toiletries. Items can be given to Revd Jane, left in the Rectory Rooms porch or at St Mary’s. Thank you.

Breakfast Club – 9th July, Church Rooms, 10.30-11.30am

St Mary’s Breakfast Club returns 11th July (10.30-11.30). As well as breakfast there will be a bible story and activities on the theme for the day.  As discussed in church this stems from a desire to reach children, young people and their families in a way they might be more comfortable with than our traditional worship.  Please continue to support this as we seek to share our faith and interest people in the life of the church. Is there anyone you could tell about this who might like to come along?

Newton Festival – Saturday 1st July, 1pm-12am.

More information from www.newtonfest.co.uk

Gregory Steward – Professional  Tenor – St Giles Church, 7.30pm Saturday 15th July

An evening of classical favourites and songs from the shows. Concert tickets £12 on the door but you can relax first with a light supper for £8 from 6pm at the nearby village hall. Supper places must be booked.  For supper and/or concert contact Caroline Brown alexatothery@aol.com or 01823 413895.  (Concert is free for children.)