Church

Church Why not join our celebration?

Lent is already here, having started with Ash Wednesday on February 17th, and we are preparing to celebrate, what is to Christians, the greatest event ever to happen on earth, the resurrection of Jesus. During Lent we offer aid to those who have so little compared with the many of us who have so much. We learn something more about our faith, which in normal times is Bible study or maybe talks. However in lockdown this will need to be done via the internet. Then in Holy Week we encounter some of the most moving services of the Christian year if we are allowed under covid-19. Many of us are used to going to church at Christmas. For some this is the only time in the year we go to church. But have you ever thought about going at Easter? For Christians we are remembering someone we love – Jesus Christ. During the week leading up to Easter, Holy Week, there will be plenty of opportunities to take part in those services that mark the start of the Christian Church, albeit on Zoom or Facebook. Maundy Thursday is a time to remember the last supper, when Jesus ate a final meal with his disciples. This we remember each Sunday with Holy Communion but on Maundy Thursday we also remember his humility when he washed the feet of his friends. On Good Friday we remember the trial, conviction and death of Christ. We will think about those not as fortunate as ourselves. It will be a time of reflection and a time to ask for God’s help in this troubled world. Holy Saturday will end with readings remembering the creation of our world and will also involve bringing a new light into the church. This light symbolises the light that we believe is brought into our lives by being followers of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday is our opportunity to celebrate the resurrection. This is the culmination of our

CHURCH SERVICES

Blandford Methodist Church With the rising number of people testing positive for covid-19, coupled with advice from the Methodist Church, we are unable to hold Sunday services until further notice. We will keep you updated when we are able to safely re-open. If you have a prayer request, are feeling lonely and need to chat, then please leave your message on our answerphone 01258 577 030: we will keep your information confidential and observe data protection regulations. We aim to return calls within 24 hours.

Shaftesbury Team Ministry There are no public services in the Shaftesbury Team Ministry during the lockdown but we will be broadcasting a service on our Facebook page each Sunday

WHERE AND WHEN YOU CAN WORSHIP

Here is the latest information on worship in the Blackmore Vale nSt John’s Church, Yeovil Church Services on Sunday and Tuesday will be going ahead, but only attend if you feel it is safe to do so. Sunday 10:30am – booking is required to attend or watch on the live stream. Book at sjyeovil.org.uk. Tuesday, Communion – You are able to attend in person, there is no need to book nSt Mary’s the Virgin, Gillingham Sunday at 10am – Sunday Service For more details go online at achurchnearyou.com or ring Carole Blackmore on 01747 821598 76

nSt John’s Church, Shaftesbury Church Services are returning online. More details at facebook.com/ShaftesburyCofE nBlandford Parish Church Services have been suspended at both churches during January 2021. There is an online service each Sunday at 10am on the Blandford Parish Church Facebook Page followed by Zoom Coffee from 11am. View our Thought for The Day here on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays on our Facebook Page led by members of our congregation. If you require any assistance during this new period of at 10am – do join us: facebook.com/ShaftesburyCofE

n Mass times for Catholic churches in Marnhull on Sundays and Thursdays, 9.30am; in Gillingham on Sundays at 11am and Wednesdays at 10am.

n St Simon and St Jude’s Church of Milton on Stour are collecting used ink cartridges for recycling. This is raising much needed funds for the church. All donations are gratefully received and can either be left in the collection box in the porch of Milton church or contact Karen and we will arrange covidfriendly collection – 01747 822263.

lockdown or would like someone to pray with you, please contact us or email pastoral care@bfpc.org.uk or prayer@bfpc.org.uk nSt Mary’s Church, Sturminster Newton The church remains open for individual prayer from 2pm until 4pm on Wednesdays. We are also open for Sunday services. Some services may vary from our usual, so please check our latest information online at stmaryssturminsternewton.org.uk nWincanton Parish Church Sunday Communal worship has been suspended during lockdown. The with the Rev Richard Priest, of Stour Vale Benefice Vicar in the Vale

celebrations. This is our chance to remember, with thanks, the sacrifice given for us. If you are one of the many who love to go to church at Christmas but seldom, or never, go during the rest of the year then here is an invitation to join one of the services, on-line or maybe back in our church buildings during Holy Week and Easter. Why not come and see – you will be most welcome.

church is open for private prayer on Sundays between 9am and 11am and on Wednesdays between 12noon and 2pm. You are very welcome to come inside the church for private prayer and contemplation, distancing and wearing face coverings. Rev Alison Way can be contacted on 01963 33151 or 07515 958988 or rector@wincantonparishchurch.co.uk nSherborne Abbey Worship in the five churches of the Sherborne Benefice has been suspended. The Parish Office is closed but the parish secretary can be contacted on 01935 812452 between Monday and Friday, 9am - 4.30pm.