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(To view past copies of the Together magazine click here.)
Minster News
‘TODAY’ Weekly News Current edition click here & for past copies click here.
‘Together’ Monthly Magazine Current edition click here & for past copies click here.
Awaken “READY” 2025
Our friends at North Street Church, are hosting an Awaken Event on the 4th January 2025.
What better way to start the year than with a room full of young adults expectant to worship Jesus and hear awesome teaching from guest speakers.
This year we’re hosting another day working with young adult ministries across the South West, be sure to put the date in the diary and join us!
‘READY’, a call to be ready for Jesus return (Mark 13v32-37). Are the priorities in our life correct, what is stopping us being ready, are we lukewarm?
Guests so far: Central Church Worship, Josh Green (24/7 Prayer)..
Event supported by Incoming Ministries, Fusion UK, Clevedon Young Adults, Yeovil Community Church Young Adults and many more.
We would look forward to seeing many of the young christians in our community share in the values of christ.
tickets available at
Early bird tickets available till 15th November 2024 using code EARLY2025
Second Hand Books Sale
On Saturday 16th November, we will be holding a second hand book sale,
Most of our books are religious but some include gems such as Clarkson’s Farm, the odd thriller and more.
Please come and view them and bag a treat.
Ideal stocking filler for Christmas or even a read for the long winter nights.
Our Curate Jamie Fox
There comes a time in most churches’ lives where we welcome and say salut to people, 2025 will be no different. As our Curate the Reverend Jamie Fox had been named as Rector of the Wiveliscombe and the Hills Benefice. We have been thankful for the last 2 and a half years. He has been with us and been part of the Ministry team. Along with working within and around our communities.
While we are looking forward to receiving a new curate, we also look back with fondness and joy on what Jamie and his ministry has brought to our Minster. We are assured in thought, word and prayer that his new role with the warmth and hospitality which has has brought to us all.
Reverend Tobie says, “It is a wonderful thing having a curate with us, it is just a shame that it is for so short a time, but Jamie is now fully fledged and he is going to fly in Wivey and the Hills, we wish him Beccy, Lucy, Anna and Thomas all the best in this new venture in their life”.
Jamie says, “I have really enjoyed my time at the Minster over the past two years or so. I’ve got to know some wonderful people and have learnt a lot. My family and I will miss people here. But we are also looking forward to moving up to Wiveliscombe and making a start on what promises to be an exciting new adventure for us!”.
We hope to have more information over the next few weeks and be able to give him a Bon voyage on his final Sunday. Arrangements have been made to license Jamie on Thursday, February 5th 2025.
High Sheriffs’ Award for our Outstanding Coffee Shop Manager
On Saturday, 28th September our very own Sandra Hall, received a High Sheriffs’ Award for everything she has done within Taunton Minster and Magdalene’s Cafe. The Minster is in huge debt to her and her hard work and dedication.
Valarie Gaskell wrote the following about Sandra
“Sandra Hall, our wonderful Coffee Shop Manager: but where to start? To many, she is everything the Minster stands for: the Christian ethos, the welcome, the ambience and, of course, the hospitality. But like everything, there was a beginning – way back in 2011.
In Sandra’s professional life, she was the Restaurant Manager at Musgrove Park Hospital, back in the days when there was an in-house Restaurant, Coffee Shop and other hospitality outlets. There was even a separate dining room for Consultants! Gosh, how things have changed.
Sandra retired from her position at MPH in 2010 and in 2011, took her first tentative steps as a Coffee Shop volunteer in what was a much smaller space and a very different enterprise. In 2012, Sandra undertook to be the Manager for 12 months, just to see how things went along. But here we are, in 2024, and under Sandra’s management, we have a brand new Coffee Shop, a large professional kitchen, a full breakfast, lunch and “specials” menu and a volunteer workforce that many a business would envy. Sandra has enabled all of this, working 5 days a week, virtually every week of the year, all as a volunteer.
What we see Sandra do, day in, day out, is only just the tip of the iceberg. She handles all the paperwork – and there is much of it, does all the buying of food, equipment etc, promotes the Coffee Shop to all who step into the Minster, undertakes commercial bookings and arranges the teas for our afternoon concerts and other large events.
And all of this working as a volunteer. We cannot underestimate Sandra’s commitment to the Coffee Shop and Taunton Minster. One of her biggest accolades was the winning of Taunton’s “Coffee Shop of the Year” award by the Gazette newspaper, beating the likes of Miles Tea House!
Oh, did I forget to say, that she also leads a Sunday Welcome Team, is a Sidesperson and sits on the PCC and Mission Committee.
Taunton Minster would be a very different place without Sandra and we, and the local community, owe her a great debt of gratitude for her on-going commitment. “Thank you” Sandra, for your hard work, commitment and your generosity of time and friendship.”
Everyone in the Minster is proud of the hard work and dedication Sandra has for the Coffee shop and the Minster, We are all elated that she has won such a deserving award.
Taunton Minster Hosts Art Exhibition to Mark Anti-Slavery Day
In commemoration of Anti-Slavery Day on 18 October, Taunton Minster is proud to host an inspiring art exhibitionthat will run from 18 October to 23 October. This event is dedicated to raising awareness of modern slavery, a grave issue affecting millions globally. The exhibition will be officially opened on 18 October by the Lord Lieutenant and will include a special talk by Bishop Michael during Evensong on Sunday, 20 October.
Hidden Voices Bridgwater: Bringing Modern Slavery to Light
This impactful exhibition is organized by Hidden Voices Bridgwater, a group dedicated to exposing the realities of modern slavery through art. Artists have been invited to contribute their works, and each piece is designed to vividly illustrate the stark, often hidden nature of slavery today.
The aim is simple: to use the power of art to convey the ongoing crisis of human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation. The hope is that, through this powerful visual storytelling, we can all gain a deeper understanding of the urgent need for action.
Modern Slavery: The Urgent Need for Action
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that around 50 million people worldwide are currently living in conditions of slavery, with one in four victims being children. In the UK, as many as 150,000 people are thought to be trapped in modern slavery. Sian Owen, co-ordinator of Hidden Voices Bridgwater, states, “These stark statistics clearly illustrate the critical need for increased awareness and action.”
Every day, approximately 22,000 people are coerced into slavery, and many remain invisible within our communities. The statistics are horrifying, yet the public remains largely unaware of the scope and scale of this crisis. Through events like this exhibition, Hidden Voices Bridgwater seeks to bring these realities into focus.
A Public Call to Awareness
In addition to the exhibition, Hidden Voices Bridgwater plans to display a large illuminated sign on the A38, one of Somerset’s main roads. This public display aims to capture the attention of passersby, bringing the issue of modern slavery into the spotlight and encouraging people to take action.
Sian Owen will also be present at the Minster on 18 October to answer any questions and provide further insights into the campaign. She says, “It is truly horrifying to acknowledge that in 2024 slavery continues to exist, even within Somerset. This exhibition seeks to shed light on this grave injustice and inspire collective action to eradicate it.”
When and Where?
🗓 18 October – 23 October
📅 Opening Ceremony: 18 October
📍 Taunton Minster, St Mary Magdalene
Join us at the Minster to witness this powerful exhibition and learn more about how you can contribute to the fight against modern slavery.
For more information, you can email [email protected].
Let’s come together to make a difference and put an end to modern slavery.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Join the Digital Café at Taunton Minster!
We’re excited to announce a fantastic new opportunity for the residents of Somerset! Beginning this September, Taunton Minster is partnering with the Spark iT project to bring you a Digital Café, a space for anyone needing help and support with their digital devices.
The Digital Café will run every first and third Wednesday of the month, starting on Wednesday, 18th Septemberfrom 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Whether you are looking to build confidence in using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or you want to learn new digital skills, this is the place for you.
What Can You Expect at the Digital Café?
Our Digital Café is a welcoming and inclusive space where you can:
- Boost Your Confidence: Get one-on-one support with using your phone, tablet, or laptop. No more struggling with technology alone!
- Learn New Skills: Discover new ways to use digital tools that can improve your health, wellbeing, and everyday life.
- Get Access to Devices & Data: For those who may not have access to devices or the internet, the Digital Café can offer support and advice on how to get connected.
Why Join?
The world is becoming more digital by the day, and it’s easy to feel left behind. Whether it’s checking your emails, attending a virtual appointment, or staying in touch with friends and family, having confidence in using your devices can open up new opportunities and make life a little easier.
The Digital Café is free of charge and offers a supportive environment where you can ask all those “How do I…?” questions. It’s a place for anyone who struggles with digital technology or just wants to learn something new.
Plus, for those who don’t have the means to afford a device or internet access, the café will act as a hub to help you find solutions.
When and Where?
🗓 Every first and third Wednesday of the month
📅 Starting Wednesday, 18th September
⏰ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
📍 Taunton Minster, St Mary Magdalene
No need to book—just drop in and let us help you on your digital journey!
We can’t wait to see you at our first Digital Café. Whether you need help getting to grips with a new device or simply want to increase your digital skills, we’re here to help.
If you have any questions before your visit, feel free to get in touch with us at Taunton Minster. Together, let’s embrace the digital age and make technology work for everyone!
#DigitalCafe #TauntonMinster #SparkIT #DigitalInclusion #SomersetSupport
The Twelth Sunday after Trinity
18 August, 2024The MInster Communion
The Minster Communion
You can view the service via this livestream link.
(You don’t need a Facebook account.)
President: The Reverend Louise Bale
Preacher: The Reverend Tobie Osmond
Deacon: Valerie Gaskell
Reader: Lesley Webb
Intercessor: Lesley Web
Organist: Jo Hammer
Reading: Ephesians 5: 15-20
Gospel: John 6:51-58
Hymns: All My Hope, When morning gilds the skys, I Come with Joy, Angel Voices
