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Quantock
Good News! Autumn 2023
Stories of faith in action from around Quantock Deanery
ROB WALROND VISITS THE LADIES LUNCH
Rob, Diocesan Rural Affairs Adviser gave a short talk to the Ladies Lunch meeting at Enmore Golf Club. Entitled “The Changing Face of the Countryside” . With interaction from the ladies, Rob spoke about the changes in agriculture which have taken place over the last 100 years and how this has impacted on communities. Challenges now include modern machinery, technology, competition and climate change. Many farms now look to diversify in order to maintain an income. Camping, storage, farm shops and wine production were just some that were mentioned.
JENNY HOLLINGSWORTH AND ARCHDEACON SIMON COME TO STOGUMBER PARISH CHURCH
Jenny, Diocesan Secretary and Archdeacon Simon hosted a meeting at Stogumber Parish Church. Representatives from around the Deanery gave a short presentation about the life in their parish churches, speaking of both the successes and challenges. Concerns about finances and redeployment were highlighted as well as good news stories of alternative worship services and schools work. Jenny was keen to hear about the particular issues facing rural churches which differ from those in large towns and cities. As Diocesan Secretary she works closely with the Bishops
and Senior staff to develop support and resources.
Quantock Deanery Festival Service Sunday 29th October 2023 at 10:30am
St Andrew’s Church, Stogursey With the Rt Revd Nigel Stock
Followed by a Bring and Share lunch at the Victory Hall
EXCITING NEWS FROM QUANTOCK FOODBANK
Beat the January Blues
Come to the
SUNSHINE TEA
SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY 2024
2.30 – 4.00 pm in the JUBILEE
ROOMS
£5 for tea/coffee and a slice of
homemade cake
All profits to
The Fortress, Uganda
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITY DAY FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS
23 children and their parents gathered at Nether Stowey
Church Centre for a day of crafts, games and fun based around
the story of Christmas. During the day the children made
lanterns, crowns, cards and wreaths and enjoyed using the
space of the hall to play games. A picnic lunch was shared by
everyone before we gathered for a child friendly service with
songs using familiar tunes and a Godly play style nativity story.
Quantock
Good News!
Winter 2023
Stories of faith in action from around Quantock Deanery
RURAL FORUM AT BAGLEY BAPTIST CHURCH IN
OCTOBER HAD RECORD ATTENDANCE.
Bishop Michael spoke about his vision for the
future with particular emphasis on the
environment and rural parishes. We were also
entertained by a joint team of Open the Book
storytellers who told the story of creation through
the narrative of Noah’s Ark which was very well
received.
We divided into groups after a delicious buffet
lunch and I was particularly interested in the work
of our Hedgerow Chaplain, Steven Wort who
described his work including forest retreats and
worship in and through nature.
GROWING FAITH WITH CHILDREN AND
YOUNG PEOPLE SEMINAR.
A Deanery event was held in Holford Village
Hall in mid October with Andy Levett, Diocesan
Childrens’ and Youth Adviser. Various aspects
of ministry were covered including a talk by
Mike Haslam on Schools Chaplains.
Pupil chaplains from four primary schools
across Somerset met for their annual
pilgrimage at Taunton Minister. Pupil chaplains
usually come from year 5, they volunteer for
the role, and are appointed, trained and
commissioned.
The chaplains
help lead
prayer and
worship, offer
pastoral care to
their fellow
pupils, look out
into the
community and
help, for
instance, with
food banks and
dementia cafés.
As a group they
will meet regularly with their school chaplains
to learn more about the Christian faith from
each other.DEANERY CELEBRATION SERVICE AT STOGURSEY.
A wonderful occasion bringing together people from
all around the Deanery, representing their “new”
Benefices gathered on 29th October for a communion
service celebrated by Bishop Nigel.
Excellent music was provided by a joint choir.
There was a great atmosphere of friendship and unity
which continued after the service in the Village Hall
where a splendid buffet had been prepared. (Pictured
below, Sally Bult Lay Dean, Bishop Nigel and the Revd
Andrew Tatham Bishops Chaplain for the service).
BISHOP RUTH MEETS QUANTOCK DEANERY.
Monday 16th October saw another wonderful get-together of people from around the Deanery when
Bishop Ruth came to join with everyone for a sharing of good news stories and a brief reflection on the
future of the Diocese. This was one of the last visits by Bishop Ruth before she took up her temporary
position in Coventry Diocese. The assembled group were asked to present one positive story and one
challenge from their Parish but there were so many events and happenings that time ran out!! Bishop
Ruth was hugely encouraged by the extent and diversity of all the good news events and did all she
could to allay some of the concerns mentioned with respect to the redeployment issues. Everyone
agreed it was a very helpful occasion and wished Bishop Ruth well for her time away from the Diocese.
Save the Date: Sunday 24th March at 2pm at Stogumber Church with Bishop Michael. All are welcome!
.
THE FORTRESS UGANDA UPDATE FROM HILARY JONES
The Fortress which is a Ugandan charity supporting pregnant teens and their babies was last year’s
Deanery Mission Project. We raised almost £5000 which was a magnificent effort. This money made a
significant contribution to the purchase of 10 acres of land to be used for crops and to raise pigs and
chickens. The aim is not only to make the Fortress self sufficient in food but also to grow enough to sell
at market, giving an income stream.
I have received an email from Josephine Nsubaga asking me to pass on thanks and blessings from
everyone at the Fortress. The project was started with nothing but hope and faith and has taken almost
two years.
I will be going to Kampala in February’24 to see the progress for myself and I will be happy to pass on
messages to Josephine,I know a lot of people met her during her visit last year. I also have some room in
my suitcases for useful items, there is a list , and of course the fundraising continues.
Pictured above is the village of Wakiso during a visit by Hilary to see
the work being done with the help of Fortress funds. Pictured to the
right—Fortress farmland progress.
For further information or to become involved contact Hilary Jones:
07947238566 or email hasbj@hotmail.co.uk
HEART FOR INDIA
This was the charity chosen for 2023 Deanery mission project, which is great and we are very thankful.
We have been trying to raise money to be able to supply a much needed bore well in a remote village
called Gangapani. Unfortunately the people have had to drink the contaminated water which comes from
the local stream, this is making them very sick. But the good news is that throughout the Deanery there
have been a variety of events taking place. Cream teas, a special musical service, soup lunches and curry
evenings. All of these have been well attended and people have been very generous in giving towards this
cause.
A massive thanks to everyone supporting this charity, I personally have been amazed at the work that
God has been doing through His faithful servants in India. They truly dedicate their whole lives to serving
the Lord Jesus, helping those in need and taking the gospel message to all that they meet. What a
blessing to know that what we contribute is helping them to take God’s love and provisions to the poor,
needy and outcast. They are using their God given gifts to bear fruit and further the Kingdom of God and
they are so very grateful for our financial and prayer support to enable them to do so. Let’s pray that the
Lord provides the amo