December 2020 - All Saints, Martock Parish Magazine 40p

The Messenger   December 2020

                 All Saints, Martock Parish Magazine 40p

This month’s letter
Well! There’s not much about the last few months which as been as we might have
expected– but, whatever, 25 December will be Christmas Day and I hope and
expect that you will rejoice– and have some gifts to open.

Of course, the greatest gift, ever, was the Baby whose birth we celebrate. As we
unwrap our parcels to find the gift, so we need to unwrap the lovely Christmas
story of the Baby in the manger, the angels and shepherds– because God’s gift to
us grew up and showed us what God the Creater of the Universe is like– and what
he wants us to be like. He showed us how to live, accepting others as equally
important to Him, caring and loving as Jesus did.

And despite our ejection and cruelty, when Jesus rose from the dead, he showed
us how to experience his risen presence with us (Luke 24), so that we might
become God’s gift to others.

Happy Christmas. We have the gift we need however uncertain the future.

Rev Vyvienne Wright

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                           The Lord’s Larder needs:
 Christmas food items - Small packets of shortbread - Tins of curry - 80 Teabags -
  Bottles of squash - UHT milk - Sugar - Toohbrushes - Washing powder - Empty
                            supermarket carrier bags
 All donations can be left at the back of All Saints’, in the pink and blue trunk or at
                               The George Café (MCF).

                      01823 276 892
                        www.mindline.org
                                                                     8pm-11pm
                                                               Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun
           Need someone to talk to? Feeling isolated? Distressed or upset?
                     We listen, support and provide information.
       We provide a safe place to talk if you or someone you know is in distress.
          It makes a real difference talking to someone about how you feel.

Loving God, during this time of Vacancy, we pray for all who worship in our
churches at Martock, Kingsbury Episcopi and Ash, and for all in our communities.
We pray for our leadership team and for our churchwardens who have extra
responsibilities during this time. We thank you for those who were involved in
preparing the parish profile and writing the parish vision of the future.
We pray for those who will respond to an advertisement for our new priest-in-
charge and those who have the responsibility for selecting that person.
Above all, lord, we pray that we will listen to you and be guided by your holy
spirit.

What’s up….
                Cancer Research Christmas Candles
Sadly due to Covid 19, there will be no traditional
Christmas Carol Service this year at All Saints’,
Martock. It will therefore not be possible to
dedicate the candles in memory of loved ones with
monies going to Cancer Research UK.

As we are all aware this pandemic has left charities struggling for funds and
Cancer Research UK is no exception. The staff at Martock library have very kindly
agreed that the book usually placed in church showing the names of loved ones
can instead be put on display on one of their shelves.

If therefore you would like to make a donation (there is no minimum amount) to
Cancer Research please just write your own name and address and the name of
your loved one on a piece of paper and forward it to me with your contribution
(cheques payable to Cancer Research UK) at:

Sue Stevens
47A North Street
Martock
TA12 6DH

Please include a stamped addressed envelope if you would like a receipt. Closing
date is December 17th. (Rest assured that your personal details are not shared
with any organization).

                          From the Memorial Book
Bob Terrell, Janice Roberts, Carol Porter, Maurice Curtis, Jim Kerr, Michael
Salway, Evelyn Scott, Simon Frazer, Jack Dobbs, Irene Osborne, Frank Pullen,
Geoffrey Preston, Edith Wilson, Cyril Witcombe, Ian Bagnall, William Homer,
Fiona Wright, Evelyn Hansford, May Grainger, Shirley Epps, Violet Gillard,
Frederick Clarke, Carole Way, Rachael Male, Michael Gaylard, Stanley Clark,
Gilbert Taylor, Brian Braddick, Mogs Peschardt, Daphne Halsted, Katie Sidwell,
Doreen Morris, Yvonne Stubbs, William Mountjoy, Edna Hook, Father John Main,
Elizabeth Curle

From the Bishop...
Bringing comfort and joy

One of our oldest (16th century) English carols tells us
that the story of Jesus’ birth as a baby into our world,
is good news, bringing “tidings of comfort and joy”.
And don’t we just need comfort and joy at this
moment!

We know that Christmas will not be the same this
year. The usual gatherings of family and friends will
not have the same shape this year. Traditional carol
services and Midnight Mass may not be possible
either but that doesn’t mean that Christmas is
cancelled!

This year more than ever we need to carol the words, ‘comfort and joy’. We need
to find new and novel ways of telling the Christmas story. The Church of England
and our own diocesan team have provided plenty of ideas by which we can bring
Christmas to our communities. I’m going to be both a tax collector and a donkey in
some of our diocesan video re-telling of the story!

Perhaps even more important is how we can personally be messengers of comfort
and joy. Who do you know who might need you to bring them so comfort this
Christmas? Maybe someone who is alone, especially anxious, grieving a loved
one? How could you offer comfort and support?

And as for joy…? Perhaps we ourselves need to rediscover the joy of the Christ-
mas story. What could be more wonderful than knowing that God loves us so
much that even though it was costly, He chose to come and join us in a world, dark
with fear and suffering, and bring the light of His presence!

Bishop Ruth

                    Dreaming of a green Christmas
If you don’t want to forget your care for creation this Christmas, you may like to
download the Environment team’s handy Tips for a Green Christmas. It contains
ideas about present buying, cards, decorations as well as tips on tree buying and
food options. Download a copy at www.bathandwells.org.uk/environment/

December 2020 CCS Agents News
It’s December, and as Village & Community Agents, we know this can be a really
tough time of year, so I’d like to share a little of what we are doing to help people
during the winter months.
Christmas is upon us, and here at CCS (Community Council for Somerset) we are
very busy with the Somerset Food Resilience Taskforce, in partnership with
Somerset County Council. We are working together to increase food security for
residents in Somerset.
Across Somerset, CCS Village Agents and volunteers delivered nearly 1,000
meals to families in need to help prevent holiday hunger during half term,
and have also recently delivered nearly a tonne of donated potatoes to people in
need, distributed through 10 community groups. We are delivering regular food
boxes to clients on a weekly basis and often distribute donated goods such as
books, household cleaning products, and much more that people need!
Now we are on the hunt for anyone in their local community providing meals or
access to food. Is this YOU? Do you want to start helping those locally in need?
We can help! With funding, advice, equipment & ingredients!
Part of the CCS group, our Smart Communities team could provide you with the
tools to set up a food bank, collection services or funds to purchase Fridges,
Freezers and other equipment to help you store food safely, and help stock them
for the people in your local area.
Raj Singh, Acting CEO of CCS said: “We have had full support from all of our
community here in Somerset helping us feed individuals and families throughout
the pandemic. Please get in touch and join our movement, you will be warmly
received."
One volunteer said: “I feel for people who are struggling right now. I’m a
professional person and I’ve retired now but in the early 90’s I found myself in a
similar position through no fault of my own when the business I worked for
collapsed suddenly after a government problem. As a single parent I found myself
going to bed hungry and it’s no fun.”
So, if you are already helping your community or want to start to today and have
an idea let us help it turn into a reality. Visit: www.ccslovesomerset.org.uk/food
Or      call    01823        331      222        if   you     are   interested,    or
email ccssmartcomm@somersetrcc.org.uk

The Christmas Gift of Small Things
This winter, our Village Agents are putting together CHRISTMAS GIFT BOXES
for people in need, mainly through our West Somerset Village Agent areas, but with
some locations in Sedgemoor, Taunton and Mendip too! Please spread the kind-
ness and donate
small useful gifts to one of our many Christmas Boxes in a shop near you! Once
you have donated let us know on social media using the
#LoveSomersetRandomActofKindness!
We are looking for small inexpensive items such as:
- Notepad or pen               - Handbag size paper tissues
- Hand sanitiser               - Small Christmas chocolate or nice mints
- Face mask                    - Small magnifying glass
- Socks or hand warmer         - Small blanket
- Small LED flashlight         - Candle
- A packet of seeds            - Lip Balm
- Soap
To donate, please drop off in one of the many locations in Somerset please visit the
webpage https://somersetagents.org/christmas-gift-of-small-things/ or the Face-
book Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GiftofSmallThings
or call us on 01823 331 222
Talking Cafes Online
We are still unable to bring Talking Cafes back to physical venues and we miss all
our clients so much! However we are still live streaming every day at 11am on Fa-
cebook and cover a wide range of topics, from Debt to Mental Health – and all pre-
vious sessions can be watched anytime, anywhere via the Facebook page
here: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcafesomerset/
If you are not on Facebook you can now watch previous Talking Cafes on YouTube
here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5goIPHD91Ie4VDI5NMJdrQ !
You can comment on the YouTube videos if you have any questions and someone
will get in touch with an answer. We hope you enjoy them, let us know what you
think!

                                                                       Ant,
                07968521746           cath@somersetrcc.org.uk          6months
               CCS Village, Community & Carers Agents are in your communities
               across Somerset. They help to bridge the gap between isolated,
               excluded, vulnerable and lonely individuals and statutory and/or
               voluntary organisations which offer specific solutions to identified
needs. We can offer advice and support to find local groups and activities available
in your community and help you with any queries you may have or situations that
you need advice and support with. Please visit www.ccslovesomerset.org.uk and
www.somersetcarers.org or call me to find out who can advise you.

Diocese of Bath and Wells Prayer Calendar - December 2020
Tuesday, 1 December Lord Jesus, Master of both light and darkness, send your Holy
Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. Quieten our hearts and minds as we pre-
pare to celebrate.
Wednesday, 2 December We pray for Exmoor deanery, especially for the Exmoor
Youth Project. We pray for Jess and Lynne, the project workers, as they seek new
opportunities to live and tell the gospel.
Thursday, 3 December A voice cries out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of
the Lord.’ So we pray for the space to listen to that voice during Advent.
Friday, 4 December As the church remembers John of Damascus, we pray for all
those who minister through liturgy, especially icon painters and artists.
Saturday, 5 December We pray for the world that lives but has yet to experience life
in all its fullness. The world that loves, but has yet to meet with the source of all love.
The world that forever seeks, but stumbles in its searching.
Sunday, 6 December – Second Sunday of Advent We pray for Elizabeth and
Andrew Alden as they begin their pioneer ministry with 18 to 25 year olds in Frome.
Monday, 7 December We remember Ambrose, Teacher of the Faith- we pray for
those who teach theology, especially as they seek ways to deliver learning online.
Tuesday, 8 December Lord Jesus, during Advent, may we share with you in longing
for restoration and    renewal and be watchful for the light that breaks through the
darkness of our world.
Wednesday, 9 December Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay; give new courage to your
people, who trust in your love. By your coming, raise us to share in the joy of your king-
dom on earth as in heaven, where you live and reign with the Father and the Spirit, one
God for ever and ever.
Thursday, 10 December On this, International Human Rights Day, we pray for those
who suffer at the hands of others, have little access to housing, food or education
and for those campaigning on behalf of others.
Friday, 11 December We pray for Bishop Peter, for God to bring wholeness and heal-
ing, and for Bishop Ruth in adjusting her priorities as acting diocesan bishop.
Saturday, 12 December We give thanks for our honorary assistant bishops and their
generous offering of themselves to help and support during this period.
Sunday, 13 December – Third Sunday of Advent We pray for school governors as
they serve their local schools and for foundation governors from our parishes.
Monday, 14 December On this, Christmas jumper day, we pray for God’s joy to
abound in our lives and that this would be a season of fun and laughter.
Tuesday, 15 December We pray for all Readers preparing and leading Christmas ser-
vices. Be with them as they find new ways of telling the story of Jesus' birth.
Wednesday, 16 December Lord Jesus, light of the world, the prophets said you would
bring peace and save your people in trouble. Give peace in our hearts at Christmas
and show all the world God’s love.

Thursday, 17 December We pray for Yeovil Deanery - for the Lord’s Larder, Yeovil
CAP Centre, Yeovil District Hospital, Care homes, Schools, Yeovil College, and local
businesses. Also, for the appointment of an incumbent at Holy Trinity Yeovil and for
Farhad Chermahin starting soon as a pioneer in the Birchfield area.
Friday, 18 December On International Migrants Day we pray for all those who are
misplaced from their homes, who seek safety, shelter and a better life.
Saturday, 19 December We give thanks for all those who serve using their adminis-
trative skills, in parishes, the cathedral and the diocesan offices in Wells.
Sunday, 20 December – Fourth Sunday of Advent We pray today for all parishes
that are in vacancy, may they be sustained through the challenges, find this a fruitful
period of reflection and find the right person to minister alongside them.
Monday, 21 December There is a winter in all of our lives, a chill and darkness that
makes us yearn for days that have gone. May we put our hope in the creator God and
days yet to be.
Tuesday, 22 December We lift to God everyone who finds this time of year        diffi-
cult, be it due to current circumstance or past experiences. May God bring peace be-
yond understanding.
Wednesday, 23 December O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share
with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men
and women this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which you
alone can give to them.
Thursday, 24 December As most people begin a few days of holiday, we pray for
those who continue to serve and work throughout Christmas week, may they find joy
in their giving.
Friday, 25 December – Christmas Day Lord Jesus, light of the world, born in Da-
vid’s city of Bethlehem, born like him to be a king: be born in our hearts at Christmas,
be King of our lives today and every day.
Saturday, 26 December – Stephen, Deacon, First Martyr For the desert places in
which we walk, the streets we roam, the paths we cross, guide our feet, take us to
places, where you would go.
Sunday, 27 December – John, Apostle and Evangelist As the church celebrates
John the Evangelist, we pray for new opportunities to tell God’s story to those we
meet and for creativity as we share our message of hope.
Monday, 28 December – As the church remembers ‘The Holy Innocents’, we pray for
parents who have lost a child; bring them comfort and peace.
Tuesday, 29 December We give thanks for our Cathedral, for the Dean, Chapter,
staff and volunteers who make it a welcoming and hospitable space for worshippers
and visitors.
Wednesday, 30 December As another year draws to a close, we take this opportuni-
ty to thank God for the past year – for all we have seen, heard and experienced that
has drawn us closer to God.
Thursday, 31 December Dear God, thank you for making all things new and for all
you've allowed into our lives this year, the good and the hard things, which remind us
how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every single day.

Parish Round Up
The Children’s Society Once again I would like to thank all the House Box holders
in the All Saints group for their continued support of the Children’s Society.
Despite the difficulties we have all encountered this year, your generosity has been
outstanding and I am pleased to say that between us we have raised a grand total
of £638.86.        This really is a magnificent sum which will help the Society to
continue with its vital work. So, very many thanks to you all. Kathleen Mountjoy
Homemade Cards & Preserves – our dedicated church member, Sally Howells
confirms that she is still able to provide cards and preserves if you are running
short and unable to get out again. She can also deliver to homes in Martock during
daily exercise! Please phone 824238 to place your order.
We remember those who have died including Eileen Sturrock, John Sharman,
Tara Jones (Chant), Ian Perry (Ivan & Mary’s son-in-law), Michael Howard
In Memoriam: Barry Gibson, Sally-Ann Grafton-Read, Jim Jewell, Paula Long,
Nigel Mattock, Hazel Robinson, Susie Rodford, Philip Stubbs, Hugh White
The Lord’s Larder - with grateful thanks to all those who have generously donated
towards the Lord’s Larder. Ellen & Andrew continue to take an amazing 20+ bags of
donations every week. As Christmas approaches, the Lords Larder have produced
a Christmas Shopping List which is at the end of today’s pew sheet! The Lord’s
Larder is the food bank charity designated by All Saints’ & supported by all three of
our churches to receive our help. As Our Lord loves all areas equally so does the
Lord’s Larder help all areas including those in need who live in Martock, Ash &
Kingsbury Episcopi as well as those who live in Yeovil and beyond. We give thanks
at this difficult time for all food banks within the area and the help that they are
providing at this difficult time and thank everyone for your continuing generosity to
all those in need. Please hold all families needing such help in your thoughts and
prayers. Amen.
Martock Parish Council provide an essential Covid service: During the
pandemic the Services Team along with volunteers will again be providing essential
services to individuals and families who meet the criteria for support - for those who
are in quarantine, vulnerable or at risk and cannot access support via a family
member, a friend or a neighbour with NEW central number 01935 310040 from
Monday 9 th November. Please leave a message. For all other enquiries, please
contact our usual numbers as follows:- Caroline Bennett Seniors Support
Coordinator 07946 121 612 Naomi Gass Community Support Coordinator 07539
754 413 Lisa Whittle Job Club Coordinator 07495 611 417
DAILY HOPE is a FREE phone line, available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044,
set up particularly for those who are unable to join online church services during the
period of restrictions. Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as
full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.

Our Churches are Open for Private Prayer: All Saints’, Martock every
Wednesday between 12noon and 3pm St Martin’s, KE 1 st & 3rd Sundays - 12noon
to 1.30pm 2 nd & 4th Sundays - 10.30am to 12noon Holy Trinity, Ash 2 nd Sunday
– 10am to 1pm Please note, that all opening times subject to cancellation if the
building is needed for other services/events
TO PRE-BOOK for 9.30am services at All Saints’, please phone 01935 825287
before noon on the Saturday before the Sunday service. THANK YOU.
LOOK AT OUR WEBSITES:
www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11008/ for All Saints’ Martock
www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11270/ for St Martin’s, Kingsbury
Episcopi
www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11007/ for Holy Trinity, Ash
HURCH MOBILE : 07513 104 777 manned by the Ministry Team 7 days-a-week
Our Sunday Service on your TELEPHONE for everyone! From 9.15am to
9.29am, please dial : 0330 606 0403. The call will be answered by an American
voice; when prompted enter the ACCESS CODE 444 4421. You will be asked to
introduce    yourself - say something like “Hello it’s Judy”, and then you will be
welcomed by Ellen Howard! The call will only cost your normal call rate, 45mins
max. You will not be able to join after 9.30am. If you have any problems, please
contact Andrew or Ellen Howard on 823287.
For general enquiries and information & bookings about weddings or baptisms,
please contact the Benefice Office on 01935 826113 or email
benefice.martock@gmail.com or pop in at The Vicarage, 10 Water Street, Martock
TA12 6JN on Wednesdays 10am to 4pm, Thursdays 2.30pm to 6.30pm or Fridays
10am to 2pm and speak to Sarah Nicholas, our Benefice Administrator who can
help or guide you towards someone who can!

               WHO’S WHO AT MARTOCK PARISH CHURCH
Vicar:                     Vacancy
Licensed Lay Reader:       Mrs Denise Peacock                           823875
Licensed Lay Reader:       Mrs Bridget Jones                            508688
Church Warden:             Mrs Grace Dunton                             825287
Children’s Worker:         Position vacant                              508688
Church Treasurer:          Ellen Howard                                 823287
Parish Administrator:      Mrs Sarah Nicholas                           826113
Parish Office Email:       benefice.martock@gmail.com
Director of Music:         Mr Steve Salisbury                           421816
Tower Captain:             Mr David Ledger                              826814
Magazine Distribution:     Mrs Sue Allwood                              825949
Gift Aid Secretary:        Mrs Jane Cockerham

Smile!
“Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree; in the eyes of children they’re all 30
feet tall.” Larry Wilde
One can never have enough socks. Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn’t get a
single pair. People will insist on giving me books.” – Professor Dumbledore in Harry
Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas, with a note on it saying ‘toys not
included’” Bernard Manning
   Copy for the January 2021 magazine should be with the Editor, Chrissy Allen,
Tel: 07766 811270 or Email: chrissyallen15@outlook.com before the 13th Dec.
    Please note– if you do not have access to email you can still submit content
either by giving it to me in Church or dropping it off at the Parish office (marked for
                       The Messenger). Charity No. 1160333