Minster News

Out monthly Morning Breakfast Talks are returning. The talks always take place on the first Saturday of the month.

The First four of the year are

1st March – Nicky King – The Children’s Society

5th April – Phillipa Johnson – The Vikings

3rd May – Paul Hughes – Faith in Business

5th July – Eric Tebbett – My Life in Music

Everyone is welcome, this includes a choice of full English or continental breakfast, server with Orange Juice tea and coffee.

There will also be toast and a selection of preserves available as well.

Thats Breakfast and Talk for £7, Limited to 30 spaces.

Please come into the church and fill in the sign in sheet at the back.

As the festive season settles into fond memories, Taunton Minster is delighted to welcome the New Year with the return of its much-loved Afternoon Tea Concerts this January and February.

These delightful musical afternoons are the perfect way to brighten the winter months, combining the magic of live performances with the warm camaraderie of tea and cake in our cozy coffee shop area.

The concerts are set to last 45 minutes, offering an accessible yet enriching musical experience in the stunning setting of Taunton Minster. Admission is free, though we encourage a “pay-what-you-can” donation to help support the Minster in bringing these events to life.

The series begins on Saturday, 18th January, with an inspiring organ performance by the talented Director of Music Miles Quick, promising an afternoon of breathtaking melodies on one of the Minster’s most cherished instruments.

On Saturday, 15th February, we’ll shine a spotlight on our Rising Stars – a group of former and current choristers of Taunton Minster – in a special concert supporting the Ron Tickner Educational Trust, which fosters young talent in the local community.

Whether you’re a seasoned music lover or simply looking for a welcoming space to enjoy an afternoon among friends, the Afternoon Tea Concerts promise something truly special.

Make a date in your diary, join us in January and February, and let the music warm your heart while the tea warms your hands.

For more information, visit Taunton Minster or join us on the day. We look forward to welcoming you!

As the journey through this beautiful Advent season comes to its end in a few days, we at Taunton Minster have been overwhelmed by the warmth, joy, and spirit of community that have filled our sacred space.

This season, our Minster has echoed with the harmonies of extraordinary concerts, including the breathtaking performances by G4, the inspiring Amici Choir, and the enchanting Christmas Orchestra. Each brought the magic of music to life, filling hearts with the joy and wonder of the season.

We were also deeply honored to host the special “Together at Christmas” service, supported by The Royal Foundation and hosted by the Lord Lieutenant. This moving event brought people together in shared hope and gratitude, embodying the true spirit of Christmas.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers. From our Welcoming Team and Weekday Welcomers, who greeted everyone with kindness, to our Concert Stewards, Café and Shop Volunteers, and the faithful service of our Servers—your contributions have been invaluable. We also extend special thanks to the Minster Choir, whose beautiful voices have uplifted so many during this holy season.

As we continue toward Christmas, we pray that the light of Advent fills every home, and the message of peace and goodwill resonates in every heart. May the blessings of this holy season be with you and your loved ones now and always.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may He look upon you with kindness and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24–26)

With love and blessings, this Christmas and we hope all those in gods love have a glorious new year.

The Taunton Minster Team

This Christmas season, join us at Taunton Minster for a series of beautiful and meaningful services to reflect, rejoice, and celebrate the birth of Christ. From quiet moments of contemplation to joyful family gatherings, there’s something for everyone to experience the magic and wonder of Christmas.

✨ 2024 Christmas Services Schedule ✨

📅 Saturday, 21 December

🕓 4:00 pm – Blue Christmas Service

The holiday season can be difficult for some. This reflective service is a space for those who may be experiencing loss, sadness, or isolation to find comfort and peace in the stillness of the season.

📅 Sunday, 22 December

🕔 5:00 pm – Candlelit Carol Service

Step into the glow of candlelight and let the timeless beauty of Christmas carols fill your heart with joy. This traditional service is a highlight of the season and perfect for creating lasting memories with loved ones.

📅 Christmas Eve, Tuesday, 24 December

🕓 4:00 pm – Crib Service

Gather the children and experience the nativity story brought to life in this fun, interactive, and heartwarming service. A perfect way for families to begin their Christmas celebrations.

🕦 11:30 pm – Midnight Mass

Celebrate the arrival of Christmas with this solemn and awe-inspiring Eucharistic service. Together, we’ll mark the birth of Christ as Christmas Day dawns, surrounded by the peace and hope of the season.

📅 Christmas Day, Wednesday, 25 December

🕗 8:00 am – Holy Communion (BCP)

Start Christmas morning with a reflective and traditional service from the Book of Common Prayer.

🕙 10:00 am – Family Communion

Come together as a family to celebrate the joy of Christmas morning. This lively and uplifting service brings everyone closer to the true meaning of the day.

🎶 Experience the Magic of the Season

Let the warmth of our community, the glow of candlelight, and the joy of festive music fill your heart this Christmas. Whether you’re attending a quiet moment of reflection or singing along with carols, there’s no better place to connect with the wonder of Christmas.

🌟 Follow the Star – Calm and Bright 🌟

This Christmas, we invite you to “Follow the Star” and let its light guide you toward peace, joy, and love. Taunton Minster is ready to welcome you with open arms, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for a beloved tradition.

🛐 Plan Your Visit

📍 Location: Taunton Minster, St Mary Magdalene, Taunton TA1 1SA

🚪 Accessibility: We’re fully accessible, ensuring everyone can join us this Christmas season.

🎁 A Message for You

From all of us at Taunton Minster, we wish you a blessed and peaceful Christmas. May this season fill your heart with love, hope, and the joy of Christ’s birth.

Come and join us for an unforgettable celebration of Christmas – we can’t wait to welcome you!

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

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.

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 5^th 2025.