Church

Church Mother’s frail hands belie her sacrifices

Mothering Sunday 14th March will be when we honour the love and care that mothers give their children and this story of a mother and daughter’s shopping trip reminds us how we should remember their sacrifices for us… The daughter writes: A few years ago my mother came to visit and asked to go shopping because she needed a new dress. Now I have to admit I am not a very patient person and I hate shopping for myself, never mind for other people. But because it was my mother we set off for the high street together. We visited nearly every store that carried ladies’ dresses and my mother tried on dress after dress and rejected them all. As the day wore on I grew irritable and my mother grew frustrated. Finally, at our last stop my mother tried on a lovely dress which suited her. The blouse had a bow at the neckline and as I stood in the dressing room with her, I watched as she tried with much difficulty to tie the bow. Her hands were so badly crippled with arthritis she couldn’t do it. Suddenly, as I watched her fumbling with those arthritic hands, it hit me. My impatience gave way to an overwhelming wave of compassion for this woman –my mother. I went over and tied the bow for her. The dress was beautiful and she bought it. Our shopping trip was over but the event etched itself indelibly on my mind. For the rest of the day my mind returned to that moment in the dressing room and to the vision of my mother’s hands trying to tie that bow. They are old and stiff now but I remembered that these were the loving hands that fed me, bathed me, dressed me, tied my shoelaces and bows, caressed and comforted me and, most of all, prayed for me.

Blandford 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 Sunday 7th March: 9.30am: St James - Parish Communion 11.15am: Enmore Green Family Service 11.15am: Margaret - Marsh Matins 6pm: Motcombe - Evening Communion Sunday 14th March: 9.30am: St Peters - Parish Communion 9.30am: Motcombe – Parish Communion 11.15am: West Orchard –Parish Communion 11.15am: Melbury Abbas –Matins for Mothering Sunday facebook.com/ShaftesburyCofE

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 66

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 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 covid-friendly collection –01747 822263.

n St Mary’s, Stalbridge There will be a service of Morning Worship on March 14 to celebrate Mothering Sunday. Holy Communion will take place on Easter Sunday. Both these services will start at 10am. Future services will take place on every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. Facebook.com/stalbridgechurch

with the Rev Richard Priest, of Stour Vale Benefice Vicar in the Vale

Later that evening I went to my mother’s room, took her hands in mine, kissed them, and to me they were the most beautiful hands in the world. I only hope my own hands will earn such beauty. Pray for all who care for you God bless Rev Richard

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 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.