OUR CHURCH COMMUNITIES

News from the Three Valleys team

Glenfall Oct 2006 (a retreat House) Some thoughts on the limitations of Theology

I watched the sun go down on distant hills The Glory of God in Gold, Rose Red,

Blue and Green. Theology was spoken in that room; Words flew to and fro like jugglers’ props in a circus ring. The voices raised in skilful talk of God But what was said, I neither know nor care. They could not let go nor would they see As you took my hand and showed me your Glory In Gold, Rose Red, Blue and Green When together we watched the sun go down on distant hills.

Rev’d Tony Gilbert

Team Vicar Three Valleys Benefice

Services and Service times

Despite the best endeavours of the clergy team we find that we are unable to enact the changes of services and service times that we had envisaged for September. We ask for your patience as essentially we continue pretty much as we have been during August, but including the Harvests we have been asked for. This is due to the fact that we are going to be rather short of clergy in September for a variety of reasons. You are requested to please refer to your church noticeboards for up to date information.

Or please check the Services page on the Benefice website: www. threevalleysteam.org

Tony Gilbert Team Rector

News from Yetminster Methodist Church

September is the start of each new Methodist Year as well as a new academic year. I find myself in August reflecting on the past year and planning for the new one. Planning isn’t something we have been able to do since January 2020. Are we hopeful that we are emerging from the virus, or are we frightened? Do you see things as threats or opportunities? Is your hope ultimately in Christ who loves you and is waiting to welcome you home where there will be no more dying, crying or pain?

Methodism meets as a connexion once a year at Conference and that is the church’s governing body. This year, Conference adopted resolutions that raise the minimum size of a local church to 12 members from six. Yetminster Methodist church currently has six active members, and could become a class of another church, but after the pandemic, most of the Methodist churches are under pressure.

Yetminster Methodist Church would love to see more people amongst its congregation. I know it is hard to cross the threshold of a building you haven’t been to before. That’s true of a pub or a gym but even more true of a church. In a pub, you know it’s about buying a drink or a meal. In a gym, you usually have an introductory session so that you know exactly how the equipment works.

I remember a friend coming to church for the first time and the offering plate being passed around. Our friend didn’t have a clue what to do. My husband quickly said to him, ‘Ignore it, pass it along.’ An offering plate is now at the back of the church for those who want to put something in. If you are a visitor, you are not expected to, you are a guest. A good guest asked to a dinner party might ask, ‘What can I bring?’ A good host usually says, ‘Just yourself, come as you are.’ If you then want to bring a gift you do, but you don’t feel any obligation to do so.

Perhaps the pandemic has got you asking questions about God. Perhaps you are wondering how a God of love could allow the pandemic and the suffering of so many. You can ask as many difficult questions as you like.

My invitation to you is to come as you are, with your doubts about God, your questions, and see if we can help.

What is the church all about? D.T. Niles said the church is one beggar showing another beggar where to find bread. Brennan Manning said, “Christianity is not primarily a moral code but a grace-laden mystery; it is not essentially a philosophy of love but a love affair; it is not keeping rules with clenched fists but receiving a gift with open hands.”

Why don’t you come and find out? Services in September are at 10.30am on 12th with local preacher Jane Bullock, and on 26th with Rev’d Ruth Farrant, a service of Holy Communion. Perhaps we might see you there?

Rev’d Kate Konrad

THREE VALLEYS TEAM

Team Office:

Yetminster Jubilee Hall, Church Street, Yetminster, DT9 6LG

01935 872600

e:3valleysoffice@gmail.com w:www.threevalleysteam.org Opening hours Mon 9.30am – 12.30pm Tues 1.30 – 4.30pm

Team Rector: Rev’d Tony Gilbert

The Rectory, Church Rd, Thornford, Sherborne. DT9 6QE

01935 873044 e: rector3valleys@gmail.com

Team Vicars Rev’d George Moody

The Rectory Church St, Yetminster DT9 6QE

01935 873214 e: revgeorgemoody@gmail.com Rev’d Richard Kirlew

@RuralChaplain

01963 23570 e: rector3valleys@gmail.com

Jubilee Hall Yetminster

ENQUIRIES: Three Valleys Benefice Office,

01935 872600 e: 3valleysoffice@gmail.com

Yetminster Methodist Church

Chapel Lane, Yetminster DT9 6LJ Minister: Rev Kate Konrad 01935-415837 Worship co-ordinator: Mrs Barbara Driver

Tel: 01935 873690 Treasurer:

Mrs S Gilbey

All services begin at 10:30am followed by coffee.

Hilfield Friary services continue. Information can be found on our website https://hilfieldfriary.org.uk and Facebook page www.facebook.com/HilfieldFriary so please look to see what we are up to.

Roman Catholic Services

Roman Catholic Church

The Sacred Heart & St. Aldhelm, Westbury, Sherborne DT9 3EL

tel: (01935) 812021 Weekend mass times: Saturdays at 6.00pm Sundays 10.30am Holy Days 10.00am and 6.30pm

Parish Priest: Monsignor Canon Robert Draper e: sherbornerc@prcdtr.org.uk w: sherbornecatholicchurch.org.uk